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Nathan   Allen 


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PHYSICAL  CULTURE 


AMILE  RST    COL  LEG  E 


NATHA.V    ALLKX,     M.     1) . 


PREPARED    BY    THE    REQUEST    OF    THE    TRUSTEES. 


LOWELL.  MASS  : 

STONI:  A:   iirs K,   HOOK    IM.MNTKKS. 
ISiV.t. 


PHYSICAL  (TUTUI-;  IN  AMIIKKST  roLLKiiM.* 


Amherst  College  is  very  much  indehted  for  the  estah- 
lishllient  of  the  department  of  Phvsieal  ('ulture  to  the  deep 
interest  and  personal  lahors  of  its  President.  At  his  inau- 
guration in  l(s-il.  several  pa^es  of  his  discourse  were  occu- 
pied in  showing1  the  important  relations  that  exist  hetween 
the  mind  and  the  hedv  ; —  that  hoth  should  alwa\'s  he 
exercised  in  harmony  with  each  other,  and  thai  no  course 
of  education  was  complete  without  devoting  special  attention 
to  secure  a  ^ood  development  and  healthy  state  of  the 
physical  system.  In  his  first  report  tothe  Trustee- in  i.s~>~i. 
upon  the  condition  of  the  Institution,  he  sa vs.  ••  no  one  thin u1 


J£    has  demanded  more  of  mv  anxious  attention  than  I  In'  Innl/li 
I 


a/    l//r  .s'/Vr/r/i'/.v.        The   Wailing  of   the   physical   energies   111    the 
(.TI   midwav  o!    the  ('ol'e^e  course  is  almost    the  rule  rather  than 
the   exception    amoiii:'    us.  and    cases    oi    eoni[ilete    hreakilig 
down  are  painfully  numerous." 

And    in    his    repoi  t    for    UV"HI.    he  savs.  —  "the    lireak- 
-    in-1  do\vn    of   the    health    of   the    students,    especially    in    the 
i-pruiL:'    o|'  the    year,  which    is    exceedingly    eoimnon.    in\'ol\- 
HIL:'    the    ni'cessit \-    of    leaving    college     in    many    instances. 
and  crippliii(u'    the  energies  and    destroying    the    prospects  of 

'cessai  v. 


•lire    ill'   Hir    I  ,\  l,|]|;,-il|lll." 

i   tlir  annual   tih-i'liiu   nl'  ilu1   l;.>aril.  .hi   ,    ...  i,.    i"  .'. 


if  proper  measures  could  be  adopted  to  prevent  it."  He 
.suggested  that  some  lectures  upon  the  subject  should  be 
obtained  from  distinguished  medical  gentlemen,  and  accord- 
ingly Dr.  Morrill  Wyman.  of  Cambridge,  was  employed, 
who.  in  the  spring  of  1857,  gave  two  lectures  before  the 
students  upon  the  laws  of  health. 

In  President  Stearns'  Report  to  the  Trustees  for  18o9, 
the  health  of  the  students  again  constituted  a  prominent 
topic.  Fie  says.  "  time  and  experience  have  convinced  me 
of  an  imperious  demand,  in  the  circumstances  of  an  academic 
life,  for  immediate  and  efiicient  action  on  this  subject  : 
many  of  our  students  come  from  farms,  mechanic  shops,  and 
other  active  occupations,  to  the  hard  study  and  sedentary 
habits  of  college.  Physical  exercise  is  neglected,  the  laws 
of  health  are  violated,  the  protests  and  exhortations  of 
instructors  and  other  friends  are  unheeded.  The  once  active 
student  soon  becomes  physically  indolent,  his  mental  pow- 
ers become  dulled,  his  movements  and  appearance  indicate 
physical  deterioration;  —  he  makes  occasionally  spasmodic 
efforts  to  reg;iin  his  former  elasticity  by  exercise,  but  bv 
finding  discomfort  more  than  advantage  from  it.  he  eschews 
exertion  and  becomes  more  inert  than  ever. 

••  15v  the  time  the  Junior  year  is  reached,  many  .-indents 
have  broken  down  their  health,  and  every  year  some  lives 
are  sacrificed.  Physical  training  is  not  the  onlv  means  of 
preventing  this  result,  but  it,  is  among  the  most  prominent 
of  them.  If  it  could  be  regularly  conducted. — if  a  mod- 
erate amount  of  physical  exercise  could  lie  secured  as  a 
general  thing  to  every  student  dailv.  I  have  a  deep  convic- 
tion, founded  on  clo><>  observation  and  experience,  that  not 
only  \\oitld  lives  and  health  be  preser\ed.  but  animation  and 
cheerfulness,  and  a  higher  order  of  efficient  >tudv  and  intel- 
al life  would  be  secured.  It  will  be  for  the  con>jdera- 
this  Board,  whether,  (or  the  encouragement  of  this 
exercise,  the  tune  has  not  come,  when  efficient 


measures  should  he  taken  for  the  erection  of  a  Gymnasium, 
and  the  procuring  of  its  proper  appointments.  It  is  a  settled 
conviction,  in  mv  own  mind,  that  oiih  hv  a  certain  amount 
of  regular  exercise,  together  with  attention  to  other  laws  of 
health,  can  that  list  lessness  and  dullness  and  inefficienc  v 
which  is  so  hostile  to  u'ood  scholarship  and  so  common 
anion^  students,  he  overcome.'1 

In  concluding  his  remarks  the  President  stated,  that 
two  of  the  most  promising  students  in  the  Senior  class  had 
just  deceased,  whose  deaths  had  pl'ohahlv  heeil  occasioned 
hv  violating  the  laws  of  health  in  college:  and  other  stu- 
dents were  fast  hreakinv;  do\vn  their  constitutions,  and 
paving  the  wa\"  to  follow  them.  The  statement  of  these 
facts  had  at  the  time  an  impressive  effect,  and  served  to  favor 
immediate  action  in  the  matter.  The  Tru-teos  chose  a  com- 
mittee, consisting  of  the  President.  Dr.  X.  Allen.  II.  Kd- 
wards.  Ks<|..  and  Col.  A.  II.  Uullock.  to  take  the  suhject  into 
consideration,  who  reported  at  once,  that  it  was  expedient  to 
erect  a  suitahle  hiiildiiiu'  for  a  (J vmiiasium  :  and.  provided  a 
certain  amount  could  he  raised  hv  suhscription.  ihev  recom- 
mended that  an  eijiia  amount  he  appropriated  for  that  pur- 
pose fioiu  the  treasur\  (if  the  Corporation.  This  report  was 
accepted  hv  the  ]>oard.  and  a  committee  was  appointed, 
consisting  of  lion.  .1.  15.  Woods.  Prof.  \V.  S.  Clark.  ll<.n.  S. 
\\  illiston  and  the  President,  with  full  powers  to  collect  fund-. 
procure  plans,  select  a  location  for  the  huiidiuLi'.  and  to  make 
contracts  for  jl,c  erection  and  completion  of  the  same.  In 
ohtaiiniiu'  snhscript ions,  and  as  a  memher  of  the  huildm^ 
committee.  Prof.  \\.S.CIark.\\ith  his  accustoineil  ener^v. 
performed  efficient  and  successful  service. 

'I  IM  place  selected  for  the  site  of  the  hiuldlllLi'  was  ea.-t 
of  the  drove,  and  diroctlv  north  of  Ka-l  ('olle-e.  It  was 
huilt  of  Pelham  granite.  t\\'o  stories  hinli-  lifl\'  hv  se\ent\'- 
t\\'o  ted  ;  and  though  tin-  committee  exceeded  their  iilst 
plan  iii  the  -i/.o  of  the  huildin-.  still,  if  twciitx  feet  more 


G 


hud  been  added  to  its  length,  the  edifice  would  huve  been 
better  proportioned  and  uflbrdod  more  ample  aceommoda- 
tions.  It  is  verv  desirable  that  this  addition  sliall  yet  be 
made,  us  the  \vaiits  of  this  department  render  it  neressuiy. 
I  pun  the  completion  of  the  building,  the  name  of  "  Barrett 
Gymnasium  "  was  given  in  it.  from  Dr.  Benjamin  Barrett,  of 
Northampton,  who  had  contributed  liberally  towards  its 
erection.  Since  thai  time,  this  same  gentleman  has  put  in. 
at  his  own  expense,  u  gallery  af  the  west  end  of  the  hail, 
and  also  paid  a  part  of  the  annual  expenses,  for  repairs,  im- 
provements, ^'c..  ^'e.  It  is  now  hoped  that  some  generous- 
minded  individual  may  he  found  who  will  liberally  endow 
this  professorship  of  Hygiene  and  Physical  Education, 
thereby  placing  it  upon  an  independent  foundation. 

As  this  department  was  new.  and  from  its  peculiar 
character  might,  encounter  more  difficulties  than  usual,  on 
uccoiint  of  which  its  teucher  might  desire  advice  and  counsel. 
it  was  thought  best  bv  the  Trustees  to  have  a  (Gymnasium 
Committee.  Pre-ideni  Stearns.  Drs.  K.  Alden  and  X.  Allen 


were  therefore  appointed  such  committee  in  iMil)  and  iMll. 
Since  that  time,  the  Pi'esideiit  and  Dr.  Allen  have  served 
evorv  year,  with  the  addition  to  the  committee  in  dillereni 
veurs  of  l)r.  Benjamin  Barrett.  Kev.  \\"illiam  P.  Pain-'.  1>.  I)., 
and  Kev.  L  Sabin.  I),  i). 


In    hi-    Annual    Ueport    for    ISi'.O.   the    President    s  iid. 

••  one  <ij  the  pi'oiiiini'iit  subjects  requiring  attention  at  the 
present  meeting  of  this  lizard  i-  the  ( Jymnusium.  'I  lie 
llnildniLi  ('ommitlee  \\ill  reporl  it.-  cost,  and  the  measures 
taken  bv  them  lo  -ecill'e  its  erectidii  :  also  wh;it  \\iil  be 
nei'ded  i'nr  it-  apparatus  and  oilier  appouil  men! .-.  1  he 
Kaciihv  are  .if  ihe  opinion  ih.-it  it-  exercises  shouid  he  cim- 

dilcted    111     -oiue   -llch     m.ililiel'  ;i-    ihe     loilowillii'  :        1  -t  - 


main  oh]ect  shall  he  not  to  secure  feats  of  ability  and 
strength,  or  even  powerful  llllis:de.  hut  to  keep  ill  good  health 

the  whole    body.      'Jd--That   all    the  students,   (unless  there 

should  lie  exceptional  cases)  shall  he  required  to  attend  on 
its  exercise-  for  half  an  hour,  de-ignated  for  the  purpose  at 
least  four  das  sin  the  week.  -Id — That  the  instructor  shall 
assign  to  each  indi\idual  such  exercises  as  may  he  best 
adapted  to  him.  taking  special  care  to  prevent  the  ambitious 
from  violent  action  and  all  extremes,  endeavoring  to  work 
the  whole  body  and  not  over-Work  any  part  of  it.  1th — That 
whih-  ii  may  not  he  expedient  to  mark  the  gradation  of 
attainment  a-  in  the  intellectual  branches,  vet  le^ularit v. 
a  1 1  en  i  ion  and  doeilit  v  -hould  be  carefully  noted  so  as  to  ha  ve 
it-  pioper  weight  in  the  deportment  column  of  the  student's 
general  position.  -it h  — That  some  time  shall  be  allowed  out 
ol  study  hours  for  those  volunteer  exercises  which  different 
men.  according  to  their  tastes  may  elect  for  recreation,  and 
particularly  that  the  howling  alleys  be  not  given  up  to 
promiscuous  use.  but  be  allotted  at  regular  hours  to  those 
who  wish  to  make  u-e  ol'  them. —  all  these  voluntary  exer- 
cise.-, of  whatever  kind,  to  be  conducted  under  the  supervis- 
ion  of  t  he  ( i  ymnasiiim  instructor.  iiih  —  'I  hat  the  building 
.-hall  always  be  closed  before  daik.  that  m>  light  shall  be 
u-eil  m  it.  and  no  smoking  or  irregularities  o|  any  kind 
shall  be  allowed  in  it.  7th  —  That  the  instructor  nf  a  -mt- 
able  person  s  loiild  be  employed  )  oimht  to  be  a  member  of 
the  Faculty,  and  give  in  to  it  his  mark-  and  occasional  ac- 
count-, and  receive  direction-,  as  other  oflicers  of  the  college 

are  accustomed  to  do.       It   niii-l   I hvious."    h<-  a<  d-.  "  h»m 

tin-  general  view,  i  iat  a  teacher  of  very  hiuh  qualifications 
\\iil  b:>  demanded.  \\  ith  such  a  teacher  we  max  be  alnio-t 
-ure  of  siicee--  :  \\iih  an  inferior  man  our  failure  need  noi 

be    foretold. 

"   \\  hat    we    lieei     is   a     professor-hip    which     shall    extend 

0\'el'    the    ell  I  !l  e    i  1  e  1  ,a  1  1  1 1 1  e  Ii  1     of    p]|\  sical     edlll    "  H"!'.  I  -1  'I    lie 


officer  .should  be  a  skillful  gymnast,  capable  of  conducting 
his  classes,  by  example  as  \vell  as  precept,  through  all  the 
exercises  which  the  best  training  would  require  them  to 
perform.  2nd  —  He  should  have  a  good  medical  education, 
with  sufficient  knowledge  of  disease,  if  not  to  manage  severe 
cases,  yet  to  know  whether  a  student  is  sick  or  well,  obeying 
the  laws  of  health  or  breaking  them.  and.  as  a  wise  friend, 
to  caution  him.  advise  him  and  put  him  on  the  track  towards 
physical  vigor,  ord— -That  he  should  have  such  knowledge 
of  elocution  as  would  enable  him  to  teach  those  movements 
of  the  bodv.  lungs  and  vocal  organs  which  are  essential  to 
graceful  and  effective  oratory.  Elocution  is  properly  a 
branch  of  gymnastics,  and  the  highest  degree  of  health,  to 
say  nothing  of  good  manners  and  good  speaking,  can  hardly 
be  secured  without  it  or  a  substitute  for  it.  This  officer, 
while  having  charge  of  gymnastics,  would  naturally  teach 
physiology  as  far  as  might  be  necessary  for  all  practical 
purposes,  including  the  laws  of  health  and  the  physical  part 
of  oratory  :  and  as  he  would  be  much  with  the  students,  and 
would  be  likely  to  have  great  influence  over  them,  he  ought 
to  be  a  man  of  cultivated  tastes  and  manners.  —  a  man  of 
honorable  sentiments  and  correct  principles,  having  high 
aims  and  a  Christian  spirit.  Such  a  man.  with  such  a  work 
as  I  have  m»w  marked  out  successfully  pursued,  would  he 
an  incalculable'  advantage  to  the  College  and  to  mankind. 
\Ve  should  not  onlv  have  the  honor  of  being  the  lir-t  in>ti- 
tiition  in  ihe  roimtrv  which  has  over  sustained  such  a  pre- 
fessorship.  but  we  ,-hould  probably  save  to  the  word  a  vast 
amount  of  physical  and  mental  power  which  would  other- 
wi-o  be  wasted,  and  further  the  great  ends  of  education. 

/I'ltit'/l     i/i'i'    In    n/ilhi      an  ii. 

-aine    meeting  of  the    Tru.-tees.  a   lloport    was 
the    Building    Committee  on  the   (lymiiasium. 
August.     IS") '.i.    which,    with    the     preceding 
>f  tin.-    I  're.-ident.  was   carefully  considered    bv    the 


Board,  and  referred  to  a  committee  consisting  of  Dr.  X. 
Allen.  HOY.  Dr.  Paine  and  Il.m.  S.  Williston.  The  Hoport 
of  this  committee  approved  the  doings  of  tlio  Building  Com- 
mittee, notwithstanding  they  liad  enlarged  the.  original  plan 
of  the  Gymnasium,  and  considerably  exceeded  UK;  expenses 
first  contemplated.  It  states  that  the  structure  first  planned 
would  not  have  conformed  with  the  other  college  edifices,  and 
would  in>t  have  been  adequate  in  si/e  and  accommodations 
to  meet  all  the  wants  of  such  a  department.  It  recom- 
monded  further  appropriation  to  complete  the,  building,  and 
to  equip  it  at  once  with  all  the  necessary  apparatus.  It  also 
recommended  the  following  general  [dan,  which  was  unani- 
mously adopted : 

To       KSTAI'.LISH     A       'Dr-.l'AKTMKNT      OF      PHYSICAL     Cd/ITHE 

IN  THIS  CoLLKiii-;;  and  that  the  duties  of  its  Professor 
shall  he: 

1st.  To  take  charge  of  the  Gymnasium,  and  give 
instruction  to  the  students  in  Gymnastics. 

2nd.  To  take  a  general  oversight  of  the  health  of  the 
students,  and  to  give  such  instruction  on  the  subject  as  mav 
be  deemed  expedient,  according  to  the  general  plan  stated 
bv  the  President  in  his  Report,  and  under  the  direction  of 
the  Faculty,  like  all  the  other  studies. 

ord.  To  teach  elocution  so  far  as  it  is  connected  with 
physical  training. 

4th.  He  shall  give  lectures  Iroin  time  to  time  upon 
Hygiene.  Physical  Culture, and  other  topic.-  pertaining  to  the 
laws  of  life  and  health,  including  some  general  knowledge 
of  .Anatomy  and  Physiology. 

•~>th.  The  individual  appointed  to  have  charge  of  this 
department  shall  ho  a  thoroughly  educated  physician,  and, 
like  other  teacher>  and  professors,  shall  he  a  member  of  the 
College  Faculty.  It  is  distinctly  understood,  that  He  h«iUk 


of  thf  students  shall  at  all  times  be  an  object  of  his  special 
watch,  care  and  counsel. 

The  title  or  name  of  the  Professorship  in  this  depart- 
ment having  come  under  consideration  by  the  Board,  it  was 
moved  by  Dr.  Allen,  (and  the  vote  unanimously  adopted.) 
that  the  stvle  of  this  Professorship  shall  be  "  The  Professor 
of  Ilyylem  and  Physical  Education." 

It  was  the  intention  of  the  Trustees  to  incorporate 
these  exercises  into  the  regular  curriculum  of  college  studies, 
and  make  it  obligatory  upon  all  students  to  attend  upon 
them  as  much  as  on  instruction  in  Mathematics  or  the 
classics.  It  should  lie  observed,  that  nearly  all  Gymnasia 
connected  with  literary  institutions,  both  in  Europe  and 
America,  had  failed  to  accomplish  the  results  intended  or 
expected,  because  no  system  of  exercises  was  adopted  in 
harmony  with  the  laws  of  the  body,  nor  did  the  character 
given  them  correspond  to  their  importance,  or  to  require  that 
dailv  regular  training,  which  was  accorded  to  mental  acqui- 
sitions. In  the  present  instance,  instead  of  leaving  the  thing 
to  take  care  of  itself.  —  for  students  to  exercise  or  not.  at 
their  option  or  convenience,  without  any  guide,  system  or 
instruction.  — the  Trustees  determined  at  the  outset  to  place 
the  enterprise  in  the  position  which  its  importance  and  suc- 
cess demanded.  To  accomplish  tin's  object,  two  things  were 
deemed  indispensable:  1st --The  living  frm-hcr  —  one 
thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  structure  and  functions  of 
the  body,  with  a  knowledge  of  the  laws  of  Hvgionc  :  —  and 
-dly.  this  physical  training  must  be  made  a  part  of  the 
regular  exercises  of  the  Institution,  and  must  be  stamped  with 
the  same  importance,  authority,  rewards  and  sanctions  as 
are  accorded  to  the  other  branches  of  studv. 

With  this  feature  in  the  history  of  Physical  Culture. as 
connected  with  large  litorarv  Institutions,  Amher.st  College. 
we  believe,  take-  the  lead.  In  fact,  it  is  the  first  instance 
in  the  whole  history  of  modern  education  where  the  claims 


1 1 


of  the  body,  its  proper  development  and  hoaltliy  training, 
have  been  placed  upon  the  same  plat  Conn,  and  the  same 
importance  attached  to  them  as  to  anv  other  branch  of  study 
or  mental  acquirement. 

(ireat  expectations  were  on-ce  raised  from  the  establish- 
ment in  this  eountry  of  manual  labor  schools,  and  some  of 
them  attracted  fora  time  large  numbers  of  scholars,  and 
enjoyed  apparently  great  prosperity.  ]>ut  the  experiment 
proved  of  shoit  duration.  'I  hev  all  failed  and  were  given 
up.  principally  for  two  reasons:  1st  —  'I  he  pocuniarv  re- 
sults, which  were  held  out  as  a  leading  motive,  were  not 
found  practically  to  correspond  to  the  anticipations  created 
or  promises  made:  and  '_Mly.  neither  the  work  undertaken 
nor  the  employments  pursued  were  of  a  character  to  interest 
properly  the  mind,  and  thus  exert  that  beneficial  influence 
upon  the  health  which  was  desirable.  They  weie  not  calcu- 
lated to  develop  harmoniously  all  parts  of  the  bodv.  and 
create  a  pleasurable  excitement  in  the  exercise  itself.  And 
it  is  questionable  whether  any  kind  of  work  or  employment 
suitable  for  a  large  body  of  young  scholars  to  pursue 
together  can  be  found,  that  will  be  remunerative,  and,  at  the 
same  time,  productive  of  health  and  agreeable  excitement. 
In  this  department,  at  Amherst.  we  have,  in  addition  to  its 
physical  exercises,  the  services  of  a  well-educated  and  skillful 
phv.-ieian.  who  is  the  appointed  supervisor  of  the  health 
of  the  Institution. —  whose  duty  it  is  to  forewarn  students 
collectively  and  individually  of  the  first  symptoms  or  appear- 
ance of  disease,  and  whom  they  may  feel  at  perfect  liberty 
to  consult  in  respect  to  all  manner  of  weaknesses  and  com- 
plaints. Then,  besides  these  physical  exercises  and  the  more 
public  lectures  on  hvgiene  and  health,  this  physician  will 
have  familiar  talk.-  with  students  just  entering  college  upon 
the  character  and  danger  of  habits  of  dissipation  generally, 
and  of  private  vice  in  particular,  to  which  vnung  men  con- 
gregated together  are  p-culiarly  exposed. 


12 
III.     ITS  HISTORY. 

At  the  meeting  of  the  Board  of  Trustees,  August  6th, 
John  W.  Hooker,  M.  D..  of  New  Haven,  Ct.,  was 
appointed  professor  in  this  department.  Dr.  Hooker  was  a 
graduate  of  Yale  College,  and  had  spent  some  years  in 
Europe  in  completing  his  medical  education.  He  had  given 
special  attention  to  physical  training,  and.  being  himself  a 
skillful  gymnast,  possessed  qualities  that  eminently  fitted 
him  for  starting  such  an  enterprise.  But  before  the  close 
of  the  year  his  health  failed,  and  he  resigned  his  position, 
and  died  in  about  two  years  afterwards. 

Dr.  Hooker,  during  his  short  residence  here,  made  an 
excellent  beginning  in  this  department,  by  creating  much 
interest  among  the  students  in  matters  of  Hygiene  and 
Physical  Education,  as  well  as  in  reducing  the  gymnastic 
exercises  to  regular  system  and  order.  On  account  of  the 
martial  spirit  that  everywhere  prevailed  at  that  time,  the 
attention  and  co-operation  of  students  were  more  readily 
secured.  The  urgent  calls  of  our  country  for  young  men  to 
volunteer  as  soldiers  for  the  war  raging  at  a  distance,  and 
the  music  of  the  "  Fife  and  Drum."  heard  in  almost  every 
town  and  village  at  home,  were  peculiarly  calculated  in  those 
times  to  inspire,  students  with  a  fondness  for  physical  exer- 
cises, and  military  drills.  Such  was  the  demand  in  this 
direction,  that  Col.  Luke  Lyman.  of  Northampton,  distin- 
guished as  a  drill-master,  was  employed,  in  the  Spring  of 
1801.  to  give  instruction  and  training  to  students  in  military 
tactics  and  exercises. 

At  the  annual  meeting  of  the  Trustees.  August  Nth, 
1801.  Kdward  Hitchcock.  M.  D..  a  graduate  of  the  College 
and  of  the  Medical  School  of  Harvard  I  niversitv.  bearing 
a  most-honored  name,  and  possessing  manv  qualities  admir- 
ably fitting  him  for  this  charge,  was  appointed  professor  in 
this  department.  And  in  his  iirst  report  to  the  Trustees, 


Dr.  Hitchcock  remarks:  '•  I  am  agreeably  surprised  that 
the  interest  h,-is  been  kept  up  during  the  vear  in  this  depart- 
ment, as  it  certainly  has.  And  I  speak  from  knowledge  on 
the  subject  when  I  say,  that  there  is  no  more  disposition  to 
evade  the  duties  of  this  department  than  there  is  of  any 
other  exeivise  of  college.  I  have  always  insisted  upon  order 
and  obedience  to  rules.  I  have  had  but  little  dillicultv  in 
securing  them.  During  a  portion  of  the  exeicises.  I  urge 
upon  the  captains  the  necessity  of  introducing  plavi'ul  exer- 
cises, Mich  as  running  in  grotesque  attitudes,  singing  college 
songs,  ^c.  Sometimes  this  mav  seem  boisterous  and  undig- 
ut it  seems  desirable  to  me  that  a  portion  of  the 

should   be  worked    oil'  inside  the   stone   walls 

• 

of  the  gymnasium,  under  the  eve  of  a  college  officer,  rather 
than  out  of  doors,  rendering  night  hideous;  and  in  no 
instance  has  the  captain  found  the  slightest  difliculty  in 
bringing  his  men  into  line  at  the  word  of  command.'' 

At  the  close  of  the  third  year,  the  Professor  in  his 
repoit  says  :  ••  In  regard  to  the  success  of  physical  exercises 
in  the  (iymnasium.  as  at  present  carried  on.  I  can  only  reit- 
erate what  was  stated  in  my  report  one  year  ago.  and  this 
is  that  the  plan  originally  proposed  works  admirably.  '1  he 
noveltv  passes  o|T  by  the  end  of  the  first  six  months,  and 
then  the  students  regard  the  principal  exercise  in  the  same 
light  as  they  do  any  other  college  duties.  Ami  1  feel  confi- 
dent nf  the  truth  of  the  statement  when  I  say.  that  a  required 
exercise  in  the  gymnasium  is  no  more  irksome  to  the  students 
than  is  a  required  dutv  in  anv  of  the  literary  and  scientific 
departments  of  college."  In  Julv.  1S!>4.  the  Professor  says 
in  his  report  to  the  Trustees:  •• '1  he  past  year's  experience 
shows  that  this  department  is  being  rapidly  established  upon 
a  permanent  ami  systematic  basis."  It  mav  be  proper  1o 
explain  mon-  in  detail,  how  and  in  what  wa  v  these  exercises 
are  conducted  from  dav  to  day  in  th<'  ( !  vmiiasium.  'J  he 
leading  design  is.  that  all  the  muscles  of  the  bodv  shall  be 


14 

brought  into  exercise  in  harmony  with  the  laws  that  govern 
their  natural  action,  and  in  a  manner  to  promote  the 
greatest  possible  amount  of  health.  It  is  the  practice 
of  classes  to  perform  some  exercises  together  in  concert,  and 
they  generally  occupy  one  half-hour  in  the  forenoon  for  this 
purpose  ;  sometimes  sections  of  a  class  will  go  through  cer- 
tain exercises,  one  right  alter  another,  and  then  again  here 
and  there  individuals  will  be  seen  trying  their  agility  and 
strength  upon  some  parts  of  the  apparatus. 

Each  class  has  a  unil'oim  of  its  own,  and  forming 
together  in  a  line,  in  the  lower  room,  marches  in  regular 
order  into  the  upper  hall  under  its  respective  captain,  fre- 
quently singing  ;l  lively  song  :  the  roll  is  then  called  by  the 
Professor,  absences  and  deportment  marked  ;  the  members 
of  the  class  then  dividing  into  sections,  and  obtaining  their 
dumb  bells.  Indian  clubs  or  wands,  take  their  places  in  the 
centra]  portions  of  the  hall,  where  they  go  through  with  an 
almost  endless  variety  of  evolutions,  assuming1  every  position 
of  the  legs,  arms  and  liodv  possible.  It  is  intended  by  the 
kind  and  variety  of  movement  to  exercise  every  muscle 
of  the  body  in  a  manner  to  afford  pleasure,  not  fatigue,  and 
und'r  such  circumstances  as  to  keep  up  an  increasing  inter- 
est to  the  close  of  everv  performance.  These  movements 
are  made  sometimes  with  great  rapidity,  and  at  other  limes 
very  slowly,  and  then  again  interchanged  from  one  kind  to 
another,  so  that  thev  shall  not  tire,  and  are  performed  appa- 
rently with  remarkable  ease  and  /est. 

A  writer  in  one  of  the  popular  newspapers  of  the  dav, 
after  referring  to  the  regular  performances,  give--  the  tnlh>w- 
ing  amusing  description  of  these  miscellaneous  exercises  : 
•'And  now."  says  he.  "  thev  lay  down  their  clubs  or  dumb 
hells  and  perform  a  variotv  of  genuflexions  and  prostrations 
on  the  floor,  with  more  than  Mahommedan  /eal.  or  down  on 
all-fours,  plav  at  leap-frng.  and  put  themselves  in  every  con- 
ceiyable  and  inconceivable  attitude,  tdl  in  spite  of  them- 


selves  every  m;m  is  in  ;i  roar  of  laughter.  Then  breaking 
up  into  smaller  squads,  or  every  man  on  his  own  hook,  they 
chase  each  other  along  the  parallel  bars  and  horizontal  lad- 
ders; run  up  and  down  inclined  planes;  hound  over  horses 
from  spring-hoards;  turn  somersets  on  springs;  mount  up 
to  the  roof  on  a  series  of  parallel  spring-bars  asifbv  magic  ; 
and  by  magic  come  down  again  unhurt,  and  when  thev  have 
gone  through  with  all  these  evolutions  and  others  too  numer- 
ous to  mention,  (not  all  in  every  half-hour,  of  course,  but 
always  enough  to  touch  everv  muscle  in  the  most  hidden 
recesses  of  the  frame,  and  local!  forth  a  gush  of  life  and  joy 
from  the  darkest  and  deepest  fountains  of  the  soul.)  —  after 
all  this  apparent  medley  of  confusion,  enough  to  distract 
almost  as  much  as  it  amuses  the  looker-on,  they  are  brought 
up  standing  at  the  expiration  of  the  half-hour,  like  the  sing- 
ers at  the  end  of  our  old-fashioned  fugue  tunes,  and  sent 
away  to  their  meals  or  to  their  studies,  as  the  case  may  be. 
with  an  appetite  to  relish,  and  a  stomach  to  digest  without 
dilliculty  or  danger  classics  or  mathematics,  physics  or  meta- 
physics.  beet-steak  or  roast  pig.  mince  pies  or  plum-pudding." 
(Mi  \Vedne.-days  and  Saturdays,  the  regular  exercises  are 
omitted,  part  !v  to  o'ivo  to  the  ofHcers  of  classes,  as  well  as  indi- 

1  •  <    ' 

viduals.  an  opportunity  to  perfect  themselves  in  gymnastics, 
but  more  especially  because  those  days  in  college  are  gener- 
ally appropriated  to  miscellaneous  duties,  and  the  afternoons 
particularly  to  recreation,  reading,  work,  business.  tS:e. 

The  ijuestion  has  often  been  asked,  what  kind  of  gym- 
nastics is  best  V  This  depends  mi  the  object  sought.  If  it 
is  intended  to  make  acrobats,  pugilists,  gladiators,  or  persons 
distinguished  for  physical  strength  or  particular  feats  of 
anility,  then  it  requires  long  training  of  certain  mu>cles  and 
di>tinct  parts  of  the  bndv.  together  with  groat  care  in  the 
kind  and  quant  it  v  of  |i  KM!. 

Again,  if  certain  parts  or  organs  of  the  body  are  weak 
or  diseased,  and  the  hygienic  influences  of  exercise  are  sought 


IP. 

to  restore  strength  and  health,  in  this  case,  particular  muscles 
must  be  exercised  in  just,  such  a  manner,  and  to  just  such  an 
extent  as  may  be  directed  by  a  skillful  physician.  This  is 
what  has  been  denominated  the  movement  cure,  and  has  met 
with  great  success,  both  in  Europe  and  in  our  own  coun- 
try. 

But  in  an  Institution  where  a  large  body  of  students 
require  daily  exercise,  with  as  little  exposure  and  loss  of 
time  as  possible,  the  lighter  gymnastics  as  here  practiced 
are  undoubtedly  best  adapted  to  effect  the  object  intended. 
It  is  surprising  what  a  great  number  and  variety  of  exercises 
are  here  devised  and  practiced,  amounting  in  the  course  of 
the  year  to  some  five  hundred.  The  design  is.  that  all  the 
muscles  of  the  body  should  be  exercised  in  a  manner  to 
equalize  best  the  circulation  of  the  blood.  —  to  expand  the 
lungs. —  to  aid  the  stomach  in  the  digestion  of  food. —  to 
strengthen  the  joints,  develop  all  parts  of  the  bodv  in  har- 
mony with  the  most  efficient  action  of  the  brain.  Thus  not 
only  agilitv  and  strength  of  the  limbs  are  acquired,  but  the 
vital  forces  of  the  system — fed  from  their  natural  sources 
of  nutrition,  absorption  and  respiration  —  are  most  abund- 
antly supplied.  The  true  course  pointed  out  for  phvsical 
exercise  is.  imitate  the  natural  action  of  the  muscles,  or.  in 
other  words,  follow  the  laws  of  nature  in  bringing  the  svstem 
into  tin?  higbest  state  of  physical  health  compatible  with 
mental  exercise.  If  there  is  danger  of  injury  from  anv 
source  in  this  svstem.  it  \vill  arise  either  from  the  ton  rapid 
movements  of  the  muscles,  or  from  excessive  exhaustion  of 
the  system.  l>oth  these  extremes  should  be  careful! v  watched 
and  guarded  against.  In  some  quarters  an  attempt  has  been 
made  to  draw  a  broad  line  of  distinction  between  what  are 
denominated  on  the  one  hand/'//''  ///////  ////////^/*//r.v.  and  on  the 
other  I  lie  licurii.  and  to  create  prejudices  in  the  coiniiiuinlv 

' '  It'  , 

against  one  class  or  the  other.      Such  a  distinction  is  entirolv 
unnecessary.      There  is  plenty  of  room  for  both  classes:   one 


kind  may  be  hotter  adapted  tu  certain  purposes  than  the 
other:  and  again  lor  other  purposes  they  should  go 
together. 

As  an  evidence  that  the  public  has  been  greatly  inter- 
ested in  this  department,  the  number  of  visitors  present  from 
time  to  tune  is  a  prettv  good  index.  At  first  no  count  was 
kept  ;  but  from  September  1st.  I  Slid,  to  the  close  of  the 
college  year  in  -Inly.  1807.  there  were  present  at  these  exor- 
cises •  ).tl~)S  persons  as  visitors,  and  from  September.  ISO",  to 
July  1  Uth.  I  SOS.  the  number  was  l.T'-'S.  more  than  one-Court  h 
ol'  whom  were  ladies;  and  the  average  number  of  visitors 
present  at  each  exercise  was  over  ten  Cor  both  vcars. 

The  newspaper  press  generally,  and  the  Springfield 
Republican  in  particular,  has  always  manifested  great  interest: 
in  this  department, —  speaking  oC  it  in  the  most  commenda- 
tory terms.  From  many  such  notices  we  must.  Cor  the  want  of 
room,  make  only  one  ([notation,  from  a  correspondent  in 
the  Congregational  Journal  of  October  Liord.  1SO±  published 
at  Concord.  X.  II.:  ••  Xo  description."  .-ays  this  writer.  "  of  the 
gymnastic  manoeuvres  can  give  any  idea  of  them  :  they 
are  such  as  call  into  action  every  ligament,  joint  and  muscle 
of  the  body,  the  whole  frame. —  not  the  least  the  chest  and 
the  lungs.  Xo  snail-like  movement  is  tolerated.  All  their 
motions  are  as  quick  and  regular  as  those  of  the  well-disci- 
plined soldier  :  they  inarch,  run.  hop.  jump  ;  their  legs  ami 
arms  swing  back  and  forth  :  the  dumb  iron  bell  they  throw 
over  head  and  shoulders  with  quick  regularity;  they  run  up 
long  ladders  with  folded  hands,  their  feet  doing  all  the  work"  : 
they  >wing.  climb,  hop.  jump  from  place  to  place,  from  pule  tu 
pole  like  squirrels,  and  all  done  in  perfect  order,  under  the 
command  of  company  officers. 

••  Xow  what  is  the  olfect  of  those  gymnastic  exercises  mi 
the  students'.'  (Jood  and  onlv  gnod.  on  Imdv.  mind,  man- 
ners and  character.  Thev  are  greatly  proinotive  of  health. 
This  is  evident  fn>m  the  general  appearance  of  the  students. 


18 


Their  countenances  are  ruddy,  their  persons  erect,  their  step 
quick  and  elastic,  their  manners  easy,  their  gait  gentle- 
manly, all  their  motions  indicate  healthfullness  and  cheerful- 
ness. Casting  my  eye  over  the  assembled  college  on  sev- 
eral occasions,  I  was  struck  with  the  apparent  joyousness  of 
the  students.  No  sad  countenances  were  visible. 

••  The  gymnastic  exercises  greatly  promote  the  good 
order  and  murals  of  the  students.  Their  animal  spirits  \vork 
off  by  the  correct  movements  of  ihe  gymnasium.  They  are 
indisposed  to  the  unmanly  and  olten  mischievous  doings  of 
students  too  frequent  in  our  colleges.  A  citizen  of  the  town 
assures  me.  that  the  amount  of  injury  done  to  the  college 
and  other  buildings  in  the  village  is  almost  nothing  since  the 
opening  of  the  gymnasium,  compared  with  what  it  was  be- 
fore. Xo  less  advantageous,  probably,  is  the  gymnasium  to 
the  )Kcul((l  progress  of  the  students.  They  come  from  the 
gymnastic  exercises  to  their  studies  with  healthful  bodies, 
clear  minds  and  cheerful  spirits.  The  •  blues,'  those  most 
formidable  enemies  of  successful  study,  assail  them  not. 
All  is  bright  and  promising,  all  hopeful.  Time  will  undoubt- 
edly show  that  no  one  adjunct,  no  one  department  of  col- 
lege, will  conduce  more  to  the  noble  object  for  which  the 
Institution  was  founded,  than  the  Gymnasium." 

When  the  subject  was  first  agitated  in  respect  to  intro- 
ducing into  college  gymnastic  exercises,  there  we're  various 
prejudices  and  objections  to  such  a  course.  One  of  the  orig- 
inal objections  to  the  establishment  of  a  gymnasium  —  and 
it  still  exists  to  some  extent  —  is  the  danger  of  some  serious 
harm  or  injurv  befalling  those  engaged  in  such  exercises. 
]>ut  such  accidents  very  seldom  occur  in  the  regular  prac- 
tice of  gymnastics,  ll  should  be  remembered,  that  the  more 
OIK-  exercises  in  this  wav  the  better  command  of  his  limbs 
and  body  lie  obtains,  and  therefore  is  less  likely  to  meet 
with  injuries.  During  the  eight  years  since  the  establish- 
ment of  this  department  there  have  been  quite  a  number 


of  bruises  and  sprains,  one  broken  limb  and  one  dislocated 
joint,  but  no  really  serious  or  permanent  injury.  Consid- 
ering the  great  number  and  variety  of  exercises  and  the 
extraordinary  exposures  in  the  performance  of  daring  feats, 
-that  over  six  hundred  students  haye  taken  a  part  in 
these  exercises,  and  most  of  them,  for  a  time,  entirely  inex- 
perienced, the  accidents  haye  certainly  been  very  few  in 
number  and  slight  in  character.  And  those  that  have  taken 
place  occurred  generally  out  of  the  regular  exercises,  for 
the  want  of  care,  or  on  account  of  some  physical  weakness 
of  the  individual  injured.  It  is  stated  on  good  authority,  that 
the  accidents  arising  in  ball-playing. —  practiced  only  a  few 
weeks  each  year. —  are  four  times  larger  than  those  from 
gymnastics. 

Another  objection  to  the  introduction  of  such  exercises 
was  drawn  from  the  fact.  that,  in  one  sense,  all  the  students 
were  to  be  compelled  to  engage  in  them  the  same  as  in  any 
other  branch  of  study  or  general  college  exercise.  This  was 
something  new.  It  was  pretended  that  the  Trustees  and 
Faculty  of  the  College  had  no  direct  control  oyer  the  bodies 
of  students,  and  had  no  business  to  direct  when  and  how 
they  should  use  their  limbs.  The  plan  proposed  here  of 
introducing  gymnastics  and  making  it  compulsory  upon  all 
students  to  take  part  in  them,  was  a  new  and  advanced 
position  in  respect  to  a  class  of  exercises  or  duties  to  which 
no  members  of  a  college  or  large  literary  institution  in  our 
country  had  ever  been  obliged  to  conform.  It  was  appre- 
hended by  some  that  opposition  to  this  course  might  be  found, 
or  a  question  of  discipline  between  the  Government  of 
the  Institution  and  its  members  might  arise  upon  the  ground 
of  right  or  propriety  of  f<>////>ti/x"/'//  exercise.  I>ut  fortu- 
nately no  trouble  or  difficulty  of  this  kind  or  even  the  shade 
of  any  has  ever  arisen  from  such  source.  The  students  have 
always  promptly  and  cheerfully  responded  to  all  demands 
made  upon  them  in  this  direction.  It  is  now  the  opinion  of 


the  Professor  as  well  as  the  general  sense  of  the  students, 
we  understand,  that  they  would  rather  dispense  with  any 
other  department  or  college  exercise  than  that  of  Hygiene 
and  Physical  Education.  To  no  other  task,  exercise  or  duty 
connected  with  college  studies  and  requisitions  do  students 
now  more  readily  repair,  or  so  heartily  engage  in  as  those 
ol  the  gymnasium. 

But  there  is  one  feature  in  this  department  that  deserves 
careful  consideration,  and  which  is  here  introduced  bv  two 
([notations  from  the  annual  reports  of  the  Professor  to  the 
Trustees.  Tn  18  ()•"),  he  says.  -  I  experience  some  trouble  in 
being  obliged  to  giye  excuses  to  new  students  on  account 
of  direction  or  request  from  parents  or  physicians, —  nianv  of 
of  whom  kim\v  nothing  of  our  exercises  except  that  they  are 
styled  "  gymnastics."  and  hence  infer  that  they  are  of  the 
severer  form  of  labor,  such  as  formerly  were  always  con- 
nected with  gymnasia.  The  students  themselves  who  apply 
for  these  excuses  are  geneially  of  the  effeminate  class,  or 
the  decidedly  la/v  ones." 

In  IMiStho  Professor  says.  "I  ought  to  speak  upon 
one  point,  for  fear  that  it  might  seem  a  weakness  in  the 
system  unless  fully  understood.  I  am  obliged  to  be  more 
liberal  in  granting  excuses  for  absences  than  are  the  oHicers 
of  other  departments.  Une  reason  is.  because  no  idea  of 
rank  is  attached  to  excellent  and  faithful  performance  at  the 
gymnasium.  Another  reason  is.  our  exercises  in  this  depart- 
ment wore  established  for  recreation  and  exercise,  so  that 
extra  work,  such  as  wood-sawing,  coal-carrying,  other  extra 
labor.  &c..  seeiu  to  be  equivalent  to  an  occasional  exorcise. 
Hence  one  who  is  well  acquainted  with  the  si/e  of  a  class 
might  often  wonder  at  the  proportion  of  their  numbers  pres- 
ent at  an  exercise.  I  am.  however,  careful  that  these  excuses 
shall  be  given  only  occasionally,  and  that  no  one  student 
shall  be  in  the  wa v  of  obtaining  excuses  as  a  regular  habit." 
It  1.-5  possible  that  there  mav  sometimes  be  found  a  vouii"1 

« 


student  possessing  a  constitutional  weakness  or  nervous 
idiosyneracy  who  should  he  excused  iVoin  gvmnastic  exer- 
cises  at  the  request  of  his  parents  or  physician  :  but  such 
cases  will  seldom  occur;  and  then  instead  of  being  sent  to 
college,  such  students  should  rather  lind  a  home  in  some 
invalid's  retreat,  or  he  placed  under  the  inornnenl  cure  for 
treatment. 

In  respect  to  the  other  topic  referred  to.  it  is.  perhaps, 
the  weakest  point,  and  the  source  of  u'reatest  danger  con- 
nected with  this  department.  And  the  more  excuses  are 
granted  on  such  grounds  or  expedients,  the  greater  is  the 
danger.  Let  ;i  little  choring.  or  \\ork.  or  business,  or  a 
walk  displace  these  regular  gymnastic  exercises  to  any 
groat  extent,  and  it  constitutes  a  verv  weak  point — an 
entering  wedge,  which  if  constantlv.  }>ersistantly  and  suc- 
cessfully applied,  would  break  down  this  whole  department. 
In  the  first  place  the  students  themselves,  as  a  body,  should 
make  it  a  conscientious  dutv.  and  should  allow  no  incidental 
work  or  trilling  consideration  to  interfere  with  their  constant 
attendance  upon  these  exercises.  An  examination  of  the 
table  showing  the  number  of  absences  in  the  different  classes 
from  these  exercises,  does  not  speak  well  for  the  higher 
classes. —  that  the  absences  should  increase  with  each  class. 
—  so  thai  those  of  the  Senior  class  are  almost  1  wice  as  many 
as  tho>e  of  the  Freshman  class. 

While  the  Professor  should  pursue  a  most  wise  and 
judicious  coiir>e  m  granting  excuses,  his  general  rule  in  the 
matter,  if  not  resembling  in  fixedness,  the  laws  of  ihe  .Medes 
and  Persians,  should  certainlv  partake  much  of  the  Roman 
character.  Something  mav  be  done  bv  the  other  teachers 
in  the  Institution  to  sustain  in  this  respect  the  Professor  of 
( ivmnast  ics.  and  to  create  the  right  kind  of  public  sentiment 
upon  this  subject  :  and  in  our  opinion  it  should  be  a  serious 
ipiestion  with  the  Facullv  of  the  ('ollege  why  improvement 
or  excellence  iii  performance  here  should  not  count  in  rank 


22 

or  attainment  as  well  as  in  an}'  other  branch  of  study.  If 
punctuality  and  deportment  are  favorably  considered,  why 
not  improvement  and  excellence?  "Why  not  put  this  de- 
partment upon  a  par  in  every  respect  with  the  others  in  the 
Institution  ? 

IV.     ITS  RESULTS. 

When  the  erection  of  a  Gymnasium  was  first  agitated, 
and  even  for  some  time  after  gymnastics  were  introduced, 
it  was  said  by  some  persons  that  the  whole  thing  was  an 
experiment  ;  that  after  the  novelty  was  over  the  interest 
would  soon  subside,  and  the  enterprise  would  prove  a  failure. 
It  is  now  eight  years  since  this  department  was  established, 
—  eight  different  classes,  numbering  in  all  over  six  hundred 
students,  have  taken  part  in  its  exercises,  and  four  classes 
have  enjoyed  its  benefits  throughout  their  whole  collegiate 
course.  What  then  has  been  the  effect  of  these  upon  the 
health  of  the  students,  as  well  as  upon  the  sanitary  condition 
of  the  Institution  ?  This  may  be  exhibited  in  a  variety  of 
ways. 

1st.     There  has  been   a    decided   improvement  in   the 
very  countenances  and    o-eneral  physique  of  students.     In- 

*•  o  1       *• 

stead  of  the  pale,  sicklv  and  sallow  complexion  once  very 
commonly  seen,  with  an  occasional  lean,  care-worn  and  hag- 
gard look,  we  now  witness  verv  generally,  fresh,  ruddy  and 
healthy  countenances,  indicative  of  a  higher  degree  of  vitality. 
and  that  the  vital  currents,  enriched  bv  nutrition  and  oxy- 
gen, have  a  free  and  equal  circulation  throughout  the  whole 
system.  This  change  is  so  marked  as  to  attract  the  atten- 
tion of  the  casual  observer,  and  has  been  commented  upon 
by  those  formerly  attending  Commencements  or  other  public 
occasions  here,  as  exhibiting  a  stiiking  difference  between 
the  personal  appearance  of  students  at  those  times,  and.  that 
at  the  present  dav.  This  fact  is  also  corroborated  by  the 
testimony  of  boarding  house  keepers. —  some  who  have  been 


here  twenty  years  or  more. —  who  say  lh;it  the  students  now 
have  ;i  more  rctjuliii'  \\\\(\  wilnm!  appetite  than  formerly, 
muni  tested  not  so  mncli  in  the  quantity  01  quality  consumed, 
as  in  ;i  hetter  relish  for  plain,  suhstantial  and  wholesome 
food.  There  is  certainly  the  promise  of  a  more;  harmonious 
development  of  the  whole  system. —  a  hetter  commingling 
of  all  the  temperaments  in  the  physical  organization  of  the 
students  now  than  formerly. 

2nd.  In  the  use  of  the  limhs  and  the  hodv. —  in  the 
physical  movements  and  conduct  of  students  generally,  there 
has  heen.  we  think,  decided  improvement.  Once  the  awk- 
wardness of  manner  and  the  ungraceful  hearing  of  scholars 
were  matters  of  common  remark,  and  such  characteristics 
not  unfrequently  followed  them  through  life.  This  resulted 
not  so  much  from  the  want  of  early  training  and  instruction 
on  this  suhjoct.  as  from  the  formation  of  had  hahits  in  study, 
and  the  long  continued  neglect  of  proper  exercise.  It  was 
frequently  exhibited  in  stiffness  of  the  joints,  a  clumsy  use 
of  the  limhs.  in  round  shoulders  and  a  stooping  posture,  and 
sometimes  hy  a  countenance  set.  stern  and  almost  devoid  of 
expression.  Now  gymnastics,  when  properly  practiced,  are 
calculated  to  product/  in  this  respect,  a  surprising  effect  upon 
the  use  of  all  parts  of  the  hodv.  as  well  as  upon  its  devel- 
opment. They  give  not  onlv  agilitv  and  strength  to  all 
the  muscles,  but  a  quick  and  ready  control  of  them,  thereby 
begetting  an  easy  and  graceful  carriage  of  the  person.  In 
other  words,  they  tend  to  bring  out  the  most  important  ele- 
ments of  a  polished  manner  in  the  natural  and  dignified  car- 
riage of  the  liodv.  in  the  easy  and  graceful  movements  of  all 
the  limbs,  together  with  those  expressions  o|  countenance 
and  those  gestures  which  constitute  the  highest  style  of  elo- 
quence, whether  in  conversation  or  public  speaking.  And 
what  gives  tins  physical  culture  so  much  advantage  and 
heightens  its  power  is  the  fact,  that  the  mind,  whose  disci- 
pline is  co-ordinate,  is  conscious  of  this  power. —  conscious 


24 


that  it  can  direct,  control  and  command  every  muscle  or 
part  of  the  body  at  its  own  will. 

3rd.  The  practice  of  gymnastics  in  concert  is  calcula- 
ted to  beget  personal  sympathy,  cheerfulness  and  buoyancy 
of  spirits.  The  fact  that  a  large  body  of  students  go  through 
with  precisely  the  same  exercises  together,  at  the  same  time 
and  under  the  same  general  influences. —  and  these  exercises 
continued  for  years. —  creates  a  peculiar  kind  of  sympathy, 
of  interest  and  affection.  In  some  respects  it  resembles  the 
common  practice  of  large  companies  eating  and  drinking 
together  as  expressive  of  their  mutual  good-will  and  friend- 
ship. It  brings  a  whole  class  upon  one  common  level,  and  in 
personal  contact  in  such  a  variety  of  ways,  that  it  tends  to 
bind  its  members  together  b\-  the  strongest  sympathies  and 
bonds  of  fellowship.  Kxercises  that  would  be  monotonous 
and  burdensome  to  the  individual  performed  alone,  when 
practiced  by  a  largo  company,  create  the  greatest  interest 
and  even  enthusiasm.  There  is  also  a  strong  tendency  at 
such  times  to  mix  in  with  these  exercises  no  small  amount 
of  amusement  and  occasionally  real  fun  :  the  odd.  the  gro- 
tesque and  comical,  producing  bursts  of  enthusiasm  or  shouts 
of  laughter.  All  this  with  improved  circulation,  digestion 
and  respiration  mu.-t.  in  the  very  nature  of  ihings.  piodnce 
cheerfulness,  hopefulness  and  buoyancy  of  -pints,  expelling 
from  the  mind  all  despondency,  melancholy,  and  "the 
blues/' 

4th.  \\  e  come  now  to  consider  what,  has  been  the 
effect  more  directly  upon  the  health  of  tin.'  students,  and  the 
sanitary  condition  of  the  Institution.  It  is  nee, d less  to  state 
how  many  student-  formerly  impaired  or  broke  down  their 
constitution.-  for  want  ol  suHiciont  exorcise,  or  from  irregular 
or  excessive  hours  of  studv.  or  from  .-ome  improper  habit-, 
oi'  for  want  of  suitable  attention  to  diet,  sleep  or  ,-omo  other 
physical  law.  Perhaps  the  effects  of  violated  law  were  not 
always  visible  at  the  lime,  and  did  not  apparently  impede 


the  college  course,  luit  tlio  seeds  ^v/v  ln-rc  x<ni'n  which  aftcr- 
w;u'(ls  brought  on  disease  and  jireiiiature  death,  or  crippled 
the  energies  and  limited  the  usefulness  through  alter  life. 
This  may  still  happen  :  hut  with  such  exercise  and  instruc- 
tion as  can  now  he  obtained  it  is  not  near  so  hkelv  to  occur. 
Besides,  where  the  vitality  of  the  system  is  kept  up  bv 
regular  muscular  exercise,  to  an  even  healthv  state,  it  is 
OIK;  of  the  strongest,  safeguards  against  disease;  and  then 
when  any  organ  or  portion  of  the  body  is  affected,  nature  is 
more  powerful  to  throw  oil  the  attack.  In  a  uoininunitv 
thus  trained  and  instructed  the  more  common  complaints, 
such  as  colds,  headaches,  sore  throats,  feverish  attacks,  will 
seldom  occur,  and  the  diseases  to  which  scholars  are  pecu- 
liarly liable,  such  as  dyspepsia,  neuralgia  and  consumption 
stand  a  far  less  chance  of  finding  victims.  Anv  skillful  and 
experienced  physician  will  testily  at  once,  that  such  a  com- 
munity is  possessed  of  a  wonderful  power  to  prevent  as  well 
as  throw  olf  disease.  The  common  proverbs,  "a  xfih-h  in 
Itini'  xtii'c*  itii)i\  and  "an  o/u/cf  />/  n rev  cut  ion  t*  (t'ui'tli  d  iiouud 
of  cure"  are  not  more  truthful  than  the  statement  here  made 
of  the  remarkable  exemption  from  disease  of  a  community 
trained  and  educated  as  above  described. 

~>th.  A  comparison  of  the  present  health  of  students 
with  what  it  was  ten  or  fifteen  vears  ago.  shows  a  snrpiising 
improvement.  It  is  rare  now  for  any  student  to  break  down. 
suddenly  in  his  health,  or  to  be  compelled  to  leave  college 
on  this  account.  In  IS-)-)— (i— 7  and  S  such  cases  were 
common,  as  mav  be  seen  by  icferring  to  tin:  statements  of 
I'resident  Stearns  in  the  opening  of  this  paper:  and  the 
truth  of  the  statements  is  moreover  confirmed  by  others 
personally  conversant  here  fur  twenty  or  thirty  years.  As 
no  record  was  formerly  kept  o|  the  amount  of  sickness  from 
year  to  year,  or  ol  the  number  ol  students  leaving  college 
on  account  ol  illne>s.  no  exact  comparison  on  these  points 
in  figures  can  be  instituted.  lUit  the  experience  am 


id  oiise 


26 

vation  of  those  who  have  been  on  the  ground  a  long  time 
must  bear  decided  testimony  to  a  greatly  improved  state  of 
health  among  the  students  over  that  of  former  times ;  and 
as  for  those  who  once  were  members  of  the  Institution,  and 
return  here  on  public  occasions.  the}r  cannot  fail  to  see  a 
great  improvement  in  this  respect. 

Oth.  But  the  evidence  of  improved  health  does  not 
rest  wholly  upon  individual  opinions  or  upon  loose  compari- 
sons. Since  1801.  a  register  has  been  carefully  kept  of  the 
kind  and  amount  of  sickness  in  college,  an  analysis  of  which 
presents  some  striking  facts.  Xo  student  is  placed  upon  the 
sick  list,  unless  he  is  detained  two  consecutive  days  from  the 
usual  exercises  of  the  Institution.  The  number  of  students 
reported  sick  ranges  in  the  course  of  the  year  from  twenty- 
five  to  sixty,  showing  a  far  greater  amount  of  sickness  in 
some  years  than  others,  which  depends  very  much  on  the 
fact,  whether  some  epidemic  prevailed,  or  whether  the  year 
as  a  whole,  either  on  account  of  the  weather  or  from  some 
other  cause,  was  not  generally  unhealthy.  If  allowance  is 
made  for  this  extra  sickness  in  two  of  the  years  out  of  the 
eight,  the  register  shows  that  the  actual  amount  of  sickness 
in  college  has  diminished  in  these  eight  years  more  than 
(nK'-tltinl.  That  is.  in  the  year  just  closed,  there  were  only 
two-thirds  as  much  sickness  as  in  1SG1,  the  year  when  gym- 
nastics were  introduced. 

Again,  the  average  number  of  students  sick  each  year 
of  these  eight  was  thirty-eight,  and  the  average  number 
present  in  college  was  two  hundred  and  twenty-four,  show- 
ing that  there  were  one  hundred  and  eighty-six  students  on 
an  average  each  year  who  did  not  experience  two  days' 
sickness  at  anv  one  time.  The  register  reports  fortv-one 
diflerent  diseases  or  complaint.-  to  account  for  this  sickness, 
and  a  careful  inspection  of  the  list  shows  a  remarkable 
exemption  from  what  are  considered  generally  the  more  vio- 
lent and  dangerous  diseases.  Most  of  the  complaints  were  of 


a  common  class  that  might  occur  in  ;iny  community ;  and  the 
number  which  naturally  would  grow  out  of  the  usual  exposures 
of  college  students  is  very  small.  In  1'act  there  are  scarcely 
any  diseases  reported  as  connected  with  the  stomach  and 
the  brain,  organs  which  are.  in  some  respects,  the  most  likelv 
to  become  deranged  bv  the  sedentary  habits  of  student 
life. 

7th.  Hut  the  most  marked  evidence  of  improved  health 
is  found  in  the  diminished  sickness  of  every  class  each  year 
after  entering  college.  In  a  table  giving  the  amount  of  sick- 
ness arranged  by  classes,  it  seems  there  has  been  for  these 
eight  years  on  an  average  ntor<'  flixu  /I/ /'<'<•  iiin<'*  as  much 
sickness  in  the  Freshman  Class  as  in  the  Men/or  Class.  It 
mav  be  said  that  the  students  upon  first  entering  college  do 
not  know  so  well  how  to  take  care  of  themselves  as  they 
do  in  the  third  and  fourth  years  ;  or  that  some  students  who 
come  here  feeble  and  sickly,  leave  the  Institution  early,  so 
that  the  vigorous  and  more  health}"  alone  remain.  This  may 
account  in  part  for  the  change,  but  only  for  a  small  part  of 
it.  For  some  students  who  now  enter  college  with  slender 
constitutions  encounter  considerable  sickness  the  first  year. 
but  afterwards  improve  in  health,  and  in  the  third  and  fourth 
years  are  comparatively  well.  And  the  number  now  leaving 
college  during  the  first  and  second  rears,  on  account  of  ill- 
health  is  very  small.  Then  again,  if  we  compare  the  sick- 
ness or  health  of  a  class  all  the  way  through  college  now. 
with  that  of  one  ten  or  fifteen  years  ago.  a  surprising  diil'er- 
euce  will  be  found  ;  if  the  sickness  did  not  then  increase  or 
keep  up  through  the  whole  course,  it  certainly  did  not 
diminish  so  much  in  the  second  and  third  years  ;iud  almost 
entirely  cease  in  the  fourth,  as  is  the  case  now. 

Sth.  There  is  still  another  class  of  facts  verv  import- 
ant in  their  bearing,  though  their  value  can  not  be  fullv 
exhibited  at  present.  These  are  properly  denominated  >'ilnl 
xfalisticx,  and  con.Mst  of  nine  items  to  each  student,  taken 


28 

twice  the  first  year  and  once  each  year  afterwards.  Every 
student  upon  entering  college  is  examined  upon  these  points, 
namely;  his  age,  weight,  height,  girth  of  chest,  girth  of  arm 
and  forearm,  capacity  of  lungs,  power  of  expiration,  and  a 
simple  test  of  muscular  strength.  These  points,  making 
about  three  thousand  distinct  items  each  year,  are  carefully 
recorded  in  a  ledger,  and  in  the  course  of  time  will  become 
very  valuable,  when  comparisons  can  be  instituted  between 
results  recorded  here  at  different  periods,  and  similar  results 
obtained  in  other  Institutions  and  elsewhere.  This  is  com- 
paratively a  new  field  of  inquiry,  and  when  sufficient  statis- 
tics are  gathered,  it  will  lead  to  the  establishment  of  some 
very  important  facts, —  such  as  the  size  and  strength  of 
particular  limbs  and  muscles  as  increased  by  exercise,  and 
also  of  the  capacity  and  power  of  the  lungs  as  affected  by 
the  same  means.  They  will  help  to  settle  or  throw  some 
light  upon  what  is  the  normal  standard  of  students  of  the; 
same  age  as  it  respects  the  several  points  given  in  these 
vital  statistics,  and  then  what  are  the  best  means  or  kinds 
of  exercise  to  bring  or  keep  them  up  to  this  standard. 

As  far  as  these  statistics  are  already  collected,  they 
present  some  curious  and  instructive  facts.  The  average 
age  of  all  the  students  for  these  eight  years  has  been  21.723 
years;  Seniors  23.04S,  Juniors  22.32!),  Sophomores  21.241, 
and  Freshmen  20.27-").  The  average  weight  of  all  has  been 
130.4  SO  pounds  ;  Seniors  145.021,  Juniors  130.009,  Sopho- 
mores 139.970,  and  Freshmen  132.041.  The  average  height 
has  been  5. (JO  I  feet;  Seniors  0.634,  Juniors  0.006,  Sopho- 
mores ;).664  and  Freshmen  ;).G-)1.  In  those  two  last  items, 
(weight  and  height,)  there  was  a  decided  gain  to  each  class 
all  the  way  through  college,  and  they  will  compare  favorably 
with  other  statistics  collected  upon  these  points.  Qnelelet, 
who  has  devoted  more  attention  to  this  subject  than  any  other 
writer,  gives  the  average  weight  of  an  adult  male  136.003 
pounds,  and  the  average  height  ->.333  feet. 


Dr.  Gould,  who  examined  a  large  number  <>f  students 
in  tlic  .Junior  and  Senior  Classes  at  Harvard  1  'niv<;rsit v  ami 
Vale  College,  together  with  some  members  of  the  professional 
schools,  reports  their  average  height  ").i;r»i»  feet,  and  average 

O  <  -  f5 

weight    I -'ill. 700  pounds.      A.   Maclaren.   who   lias   charge  of 

O  1  ^ 

the  ( i  vmnasium  connected  with  the  Oxford  I'niversit  v,  Kn<'- 

*  *  O 

land,  reports  of  the  first  one  hundred  names  on  his  book  as 
they  arrived  at  the  I'niversity.  their  average  height  O.8U5 
feet,  and  average  weight  l^.'.'TO  pounds. 

A  careful  inspection  of  the  Table  giving  the  vital  sta- 
tistics of  each  class  as  it  entered  Ainherst  College,  and  then 
in  its  senior  year,  shows  a  decided  enlargement  of  the  arm. 
at  both  points  of  measurement,  and  also  of  the  girth  of  the 
chest,  together  with  a  marked  increase  in  the  capacity  and 
power  of  the  lungs.  It  is  surprising  what  a  change  in  sev- 
eral of  these  particulars  some  individuals  have  undergone 
in  their  college  course.  Instead  of  dwelling  farther  upon 
this  part  of  the  subject,  the  reader  is  referred  to  some  facts 
and  tables  at  the  close  of  this  paper. 

There  is  still  another  very  important  consideration,  viz: 
has  the  standard  of  scholarship  in  college  been  raised  by 
means  of  gymnastics  ".  A*  the  svstem  of  marking  or  mode 
of  exhibiting  this  standard  was  changed  a  few  years  since, 
an  exact  comparison  in  figures  cannot  here  be  instituted  ; 
but  it  is  the  decided  opinion  of  the  Registrar,  (the  College 
(Mlicor  who  has  charge  of  these  statistics.)  that  there  "has 
been  an  elevation  of  rank  within  the  past  few  vears."  It 
mav  be  that  .-»mc  individuals  in  a  class  formerly  reached  as 
hiii'h  scholarship  as  aiiv  now  do;  hut  the  </<////•> ///ill'  scholar- 
ship of  a  whole  class,  we  are  confident,  is  higher  now  than 
it  once  was.  and.  to  sav  the  least.  i<  much  easier  obtained, 
with  fewer  hours  of  studv.  and  less  loss  of  health  and 
life. 


30 

V.     ITS  ADVANTAGES. 

After  having  recounted  in  the  preceding  pages  so  many 
beneficial  results  of  gymnastics,  it  may  seem  almost  super- 
fluous to  point  out  any  further  advantages,  but  there  are 
some  which  have  not  yet  been  noticed,  the  value  of  which 
will  be  better  seen  and  appreciated  by  way  of  comparison 
with  other  kinds  of  exercise.  1st --How  can  the  student 
find,  with  so  little  loss  of  time  and  all  the  requisite  mate- 
rials at  command,  other  exercises  equal  in  every  respect  to 
these,  where,  at  all  seasons,  he  is  protected  in  his  person 
from  the  storms  and  the  cold,  and  his  character  shielded  so 
much  from  temptation  to  bad  habits  as  well  as  from  immoral 
influences. 

2nd.  In  attempting  to  carry  out  the  motto.  '•'  ruens 
sana  in  corpore  sano"  preference  should  always  be  given  to 
those  exercises  in  early  life,  which  serve  not  only  to  keep 
the  body  sound  at  the  time,  but  will  help  to  lay  such  founda- 
tions as  will  afterwards  tend  most  effectually  to  keep  it  so  and 
improve  it.  Now  no  kind  of  gymnastics  or  physical  exercises 
whatever  is  so  well  calculated  to  do  this  as  those  under 
discussion.  As  they  are  designed  to  exercise  everv  muscle 
in  the  human  body,  and  to  produce  a  harmonious  development 
of  the  whole  system,  we  may  reasonably  expect  that  they 
will  ward  off  local  weaknesses,  or  abnormal  developments. 
The  more  evenly  balanced  is  the  organization,  or  the  more 
perfect  the  harmony  in  the  temperaments,  the  sounder  is  {he 
constitution,  and  the  better  is  the  general  health.  And  what 
is  there  so  important  to  the  professional  man  as  a  well-bal- 
anced constitution  or  uniformly  good  health  ?  What  multi- 
tudes fail  for  the  want  of  them  !  Neither  genius,  talent  nor 
learning  can  make  up  for  them. 

3rd.  Again,  there  is  another  advantage  from  such  ex- 
ercises bv  way  of  creating  wlf-i'didiicc  or  avti'dubitity  <>f 
power.  It  is  frequently  found  in  public  life  that  neither 


brilliant  talents  nor  great  learning  achieve  success  so  often 
or  so  much  as  a  readv  skill,  lad  or  aptness  to  use  one's 
resources.  'I  he  same  is  true  from  a  phvsical  jtoint  oi'  view. 
It  is  not  the  mere  possession  of  vjood  health  or  sound  consti- 
tution, however  advantageous  these  mav  he.  so  much  as  the 
knowledge  ;md  control  over  the  phvsical  svstem  obtained  bv 
years  of  gymnastic  exercises,  that  gi\  es  that  real  srlf-rcliance 
—  that  true  xi'lf-finsst'iiiiion  which  sustains  one  under  all  cir- 
cumstances and  emergencies.  In  order  to  applv  knowledge 
and  mental  power  most  successfully  011  all  occasions,  there 
must  be  combined  with  it  a  strong  feeling  of  self-reliance, 
the  outgrowth  of  a  healthy',  well-trained  and  evenly-balanced 
physical  system.  The  full  force  of  this  statement  can  he 
appreciated  only  by  those  who  have  had  experience  in  public 
life,  and  passed  through  changes  that  are  not  uncommon  at 
the  present  day. 

4th.  There  is  another  advantage  from  these  exercises 
worthv  of  notice,  that  is  in  preventing  vicious  and  irregular 
habits.  While  no  svstem  of  gymnastics  alone  can  he  ex- 
pected to  break  up  settled  habits  of  dissipation,  such  as  intem- 
perance, licentiousness,  and  the  excessive  use  of  tobacco  or 
an v  other  stimulant,  still,  combined  with  other  good  influences, 
thev  have  a  direct  tendency  to  forestall  or  arrest  such  practi- 
ces bv  giving  a  safe  vent  to  the  animal  spirits,  by  regularity  of 
phvsical  exercise,  bv  improving  the  general  health,  and  pro- 
ducing a  more  normal  condition  of  the  brain.  J5nt  there  is 
a  vice.  (  nameless  here.)  more  terrible  in  its  effects,  both 
phvsical  ami  mental,  upon  the  student,  than  either  of  the 
above,  and  over  which  gymnastic  exercises  have  great  influ- 
ence. In  fact,  it  is  the  te-tinionv  of  the  highest  medical 
authorities,  that  regular  and  tolerably  severe  gymnastic  ex- 
ercise is  not  onlv  the  most  ellcctive  means  of  preventing  or 
checking  this  vice,  hut  is  really  the  be-t  curative  agent. 
And  it  is  a  ui  at  ifvinu'  fact  that  we  can  add  the  testimonv  of 


32 

the  Professor  in  this  department,  that  gymnastics  have  been 
working  to  a  like  result  in  this  Institution. 

5th.  It  is  found  that  a  rcaular  system  of  gymnastics 
operates  in  a  variety  of  ways  as  a  powerful  auxiliary  of  dis- 
cipline ;  that  it  answers  as  a  kind  of  safety  valve  to  let  off 
in  an  indirect  way  that  excess  of  animal  spirits  which  is 
characteristic  of  some  young  men,  arid  which  not  unfre- 
quently  leads  them  into  trouble  or  conflict  with  authority. 
Again  it  serves  with  others  as  a  kind  of  regulator  to  the 
system,  exercising  certain  parts  of  it  to  such  an  extent  as  to 
produce  weariness  arid  fatigue,  so  that  the  individual  seeks 
repose  ;  and  with  another  class  it  tends  to  remove  any  un- 
natural or  innate  weakness  of  the  frame,  and  by  such  im- 
provements serves  to  equalize  and  regulate  all  the  forces  of 
nature.  Thus  such  a  system  of  gymnastics  sets  up  a  stand- 
ard of  law  for  self-government ;  for  it  is  based  upon  those 
great  laws  of  life  and  health  which  are  a  part  of  the  will  and 
government  of  God  in  this  world,  as  much  as  the  ten  com- 
mandments. Xo  by-laws  or  code  of  ethics  established  by  any 
human  teacher  or  institution  can  compare  in  authority  or 
final  appeal  to  those  great  natural,  primeval  lavs  engraved 
upon  our  constitutions  by  the  Creator.  It  will  be  seen  at 
once  v:hat  a  power  the  instructor  has  over  the  conscience  and 
reason  of  a  student  thus  trained.  There  are.  it  is  well 
known,  in  every  institution  various  misdemeanors  and  overt 
acts,  which  may  not  come  under  any  formal  rule,  with  plan- 

J  J 

sible  excuses  for  the  same  ;  but  here,  in  the  laws  of  our  own 
being,  we  have  alwavs  at  hand  a  standard  of  appeal.  It  is 
based  upon  that  sacred  injunction,  "do  thyself  no  harm." 
Every  well-informed  teacher,  and  especially  one  versed  in 
the  laws  of  physiology,  will  see  almost  intuitively  the  great 
importance  and  convenience  of  having  such  a  standard  ol 
law  [\>v  f> rira/ !•  as  well  as  fmhllr  discipline.  Said  President 
Felton  to  the  writer,  shortly  before  his  decease,  referring  to 
the  gymnastics  at  Amherst  which  he  had  just  witnessed  : 


'•  Such  a  system  of  physical  exercises  thoroughly  understood 
and  applied  bv  the  members  of  Harvard  I  niver.-itv.  would 
aid  me  in  the  matter  of  discipline  in  that  In.-t  it  ution  more 
than  anything  else."  We  are  here  aiithori/ed  to  state,  that 
the  Faculty  of  Amherst  College  have  found  21  eat  assist- 
ance in  government  from  this  source  ;  —  that  since  the  intro- 
duction of  this  department,  the  cases  requiring  discipline 
have  been  far  less  numerous,  and  more  easily  managed,  than 
formerly. 

I'dh.  Within  a  few  years  great  interest  has  arisen  with 
reference  to  physical  exercises,  partly  on  the  score  of  amuse- 
ment and  recreation,  but  more  for  the  sake  of  sanitary 
advantages.  Few  of  these  exercises  are  new.  but  a  fresh 
interest  in  many  quarters  has  been  kindled  up  in  their 
behalf.  The  following  list  comprises  most  of  them  :  walk- 
ing, horseback  riding,  skating,  cricket  and  croquet  plaving. 
gymnastics  and  calisthenics,  base-ball,  foot-ball,  boating.  Xc. 
Now  no  two  of  these  exercises  are  precisely  alike  :  they  all 
have  their  peculiarities,  calling  into  exercise  dill'erent  classes 
of  muscles,  and  exerting  diverse  influences  upon  the  system. 
The  great  objection  to  some  of  those  exercises  is.  that  they 
call  into  practice  only  a  few  muscles,  and  that  over  and  over 
again.  Others  do  not  have  that  physiological  influence  upon 
the  brain,  nor  produce  that  pleasurable  excitement  in  the 
mind  that  is  desirable.  In  fact  it  is  found  dillicult  to  keep 
up  the  interest  in  many  of  them  for  month.-  or  years,  with- 
out resorting  to  collateral  aid-,  such  as  set  uaine-.  bets  nr  a 
species  "I  gambling. 

Walking,  the  oldest  of  all  exercises  and  the  most  exten- 
sively practiced,  has  many  advantages  —  calling  into  play  a 
large  part  of  the  muscles;  —  requires  no  expense. —  is  pur- 
sued in  the  "pen  air  :  —  and.  \\heii  one  ha-  leisure,  plea-ant 
company  and  objects  or  attractions  -uflicient  to  interest  the 
mind,  ii"  better  physical  exercise  can  be  t'"iind. 


Horse-back  riding-  and  skating;  may  be  reckoned  among 

o  o  »/  O 

the  most  delightful  exercises ;  but  then  these,  to  say  nothing 
of  the  expense,  can  be  enjoyed  only  at  particular  seasons  of 
the  year  or  in  certain  kinds  of  weather ;  and,  to  be  rendered 
really  pleasant  and  profitable,  one  must  have  company  of  the 
riyht  stamp.  These  exercises  are  admirably  fitted  for  indi- 
viduals or  small  companies  in  pursuit  of  pleasure  or  health, 
or  to  resort  to  occasionally,  but  could  never  be  practiced 
regularly  and  systematically  by  a  large  body  of  students. 
In  pleasant  weather  children  and  young  ladies  can  find 

»/  o 

no  better  physical  exercise  than  in  cricket  and  croquet 
playing,  but,  when  congregated  in  school  or  in  seminary, 
calisthenics  afford  in  these  places  the  best  kind  of  exercise 
for  them.  It  is  an  encouraging  fact  that  more  and  more 
attention  is  being  devoted  to  such  training  both  in  the 
School  and  in  the  Family.  Base  Hall. —  always  popular 
and  formerly  practiced  somewhat  extensively. —  has  of  late 
years  come  into  great  favor,  and  may  be  considered  almost 
a  national  game.  The  ellects  of  this  exercise  as  a  whole 
upon  the  system  are  decidedly  beneficial.  It  is  peculiarly 
calculated  to  call  into  practice  nearly  all  the  muscles  of  the 
limbs,  as  well  as  most  of  those  of  the  trunk.  The  munncr 
in  which  all  parts  of  the  body  are  called  into  action,  afford- 
ing a  constant  change  of  muscle,  and  variety  in  the  rapidity 
of  movement  are  very  conducive  to  the  promotion  of  both 
health  and  strength.  Hut  when  this  game  is  played  with 
great  x.eal.  there  may  be  danger,  in  the  too  rapid  and  long 
continued  exercise  of  running  and  violent  efforts  at  striking 
the  ball,  of  producing  an  injurious  eilect  upon  the  heart  and 
lungs.  1st.  by  increasing  the  circulation  of  the  blood  to  an 
unnatural  extent,  and.  2nd.  by  causing  a  congested  state  of 
both  these  organs.  If  there  should  happen  to  be  any  con- 
stitutional weakness  or  abnormal  formation  here,  the  injurious 
eilect  and  the  danger  would  be  still  'greater.  There  is  also 


;in  objection  to  this  kind  of  exercise  from  tin;  intense  and 
general  excitement  sometimes  created  hv  competition,  ami 
again  hv  resorts  to  wagers  or  lids.  The  sanitary  effect  is 
entirely  lost  sight  of  in  the  strife  for  victory.  As  this  pi  me 
can  he  carried  mi  milv  in  pleasant  weather,  and  ri'ijiiires 
extensive  grounds  where  the  numhers  are  lame,  it  is  not  at 
all  well  suited  to  the  wants  ol  an  Institution  whose  momhers 
require  daily  exercise  throughout  the  year. 

The  onlv  remaining  exercise  that  can  properly  claim 
attention  is  that  of  Boating.  .In>t  at  the  present  time  this 
is  creating  verv  great  interest  hoth  mi  the  jiart  of  the  puhlic 
as  well  as  of  smne  of  our  literary  institutions.  While,  mi 
the  one  hand  there  are  great  advantage-,  physical  and  men- 
tal, arising  from  this  kind  of  exercise,  on  the  oilier  there  are 
evils  of  a  most  serious  character.  In  order  to  ascmtain  its 
real  hygienic  or  sanitary  etl'ect<  it  hecomes  necessary  to 
examine  the  physiological  changes  it  produces.  '1  here  are 
two  styles  or  modes  of  rowing,  and  where  long  training  has 
heen  had  the  elfect  is  marked  in  the  difference  of  physical 
development.  One  mode  increases  particularly  the  muscles 
of  the  arms,  shoulders  and  chest,  while  the  oilier  enlaiLivs 
more  t  he  muscles  of  the  legs,  hi  p>  and  hack.  \>\  the  former 
stvle.  the  rowers  heml  the  hack,  how  the  head  forwaids.  and 
raise  the  shoulders,  making  a  Ion  LI',  sweeping  stroke  \\n  imit 
dipping  the  oar  very  deep  into  the  water.  Hut  hv  the  other 
mode,  the  hack  is  more  erect,  the  leet  are  lirnilv  hraced.  the 
ro\ver  resting  upon  the  oar.  partlv.  does  t!ie  \vork  more  \\iih 
his  legs,  hips  and  hack.  Sometimes  these  two  styles  of 
rowing  al'e  lilem  ei|  together,  and  til'1  developinenl  »\  muse  e 
is  more  etjual.  In  eithei  case  a  powerful  >tiain  comes  upon 
the  hack  and  cho»t.  exert  in  u;  a  n'reat  inlluence  o\ei  the  func- 
tions ol'  respiration  and  eii'culatiou.  Tin-  elfect  i-  \\ell 
descl'lheil  in  the  |o||o\\m^  ipictatlon  ll'om  the  London  Lan- 
cet of  J a i ma i  v.  1  MiS  :  "  the  act  ion  ol  ro\\  m u  intei  fere-  more 


directly  with  the  respiratory  process  than  almost  any  other 
exercise.  In  running. —  which,  however,  is  equally  liable  to 
injurious  excess. —  it  is  within  the  power  of  the  voluntary 
muscles  to  regulate  the  rate  of  the  respiratory  movements; 
and  it  is  well  known  that  a  well-expanded  chest  and  rhyth- 
mic breathing  greatly  diminish  the  disturbing  effects  of 
exercise  upon  the  heart  and  lungs.  But  in  rowing  the 
chest  is  nearly  always  fixed,  and  the  respiratory  movements 
are  only  possible  in  the  short  interval  of  rest  at  the  termi- 
nation of  the  stroke.  As  the  racing  pace  is  forty  strokes 
per  minute,  the  rate  of  respiration  is  doubled,  and  the  act 
itself,  being  necessarily  shortened,  is  reduced  to  a  mere 
involuntary  gasp.  Under  these  circumstances  the  lungs  he- 
come  rapidly  congested  and  the  heart  seriously  oppressed. 
It  involves  a  draught  on  the  muscular,  and  we  should  add, 
nervous  and  respiratory  powers  of  those  engaged  in  it  more 
or  less  injurious  to  their  future  health,  some  temporarily, 
others  permanently." 

Mr.  Skcv,  one  of  the  most  eminent  surgeons  in  (Jreat 
Britain,  in  an  article  discussing  this  subject,  in  the  London 
'finies.  1SI17.  referring  to  the  condition  of  the  crews  at  the 
termination  of  the  races  as  he  had  witnessed  it,  describes  it 
thus;  -the  men  look  utterly  exhausted.  Their  white  and 
sunken  features  and  palid  lips  show  serious  congestion  of 
the  heart  and  lungs,  and  the  air  of  weakness  and  lassitude 
makes  it  a  inanel  how  such  great  exertion  should  have  been 
so  noblv  undergone.  We  have  repeatedly  seen  the  after  ill- 
ellects,  spitting  of  blood,  congested  lungs,  and  weakness  of 
the  heart  and  great  vessels  from  over  distention  of  their 
walls:  and  we  are  therefore  of  the  opinion,  that  some  re- 
strictions should  be  put  upon  the  candidates  for  boating 
honors,  and  that  the  regulations  for  training  should  be  based 
upon  scientific  principles  rather  than  the  crude  dogmas  of  a 
blind  experience."  Dr.  Hope,  one  of  the  most  distinguished 


writers  upon  diseases  of  the  heart,  gives  it  as  a  settled  opin- 
ion, that  "hard  exercise  in  lowing"  is  one  of  the  most 
prominent  causes  of  heart  disease. 

There  can  he  hut  one  opinion  on  tin;  part  of  the  medical 
profession  in  our  own  country  ;ts  well  as  in  (Jrea.t  Britain, 
as  to  the  injurious  ell'ect  of  h'lal-riu'iinj  upon  the  constitution 
and  health.  If  the  exercise  could  he  practiced  moderately 
or  upon  scientific  principles,  the  profession,  we  presume,  would 
he  equally  agreed  that  its  sanitary  effects  were  decidedly 
henelicial.  Here  is  the  difficulty:  —  can  its  practice  be  kept 
within  proper  hounds,  or  he  conducted  upon  right  principles, 
where  especially  large  numbers  of  young  men  are  concerned. 
representing  different  localities,  communities  and  institutions'.' 
lint  the  welfare  of  //n'  /"/////  is  not  alone  endangered:  —  what 
can  be  said  respecting  the  exposure  of  regular  habits  and 
good  morals  of  young  men  on  too  many  public  occasions 
growing  out  of  boating  and  l><ml  racing  ?  Let  the  public 
accounts  given  us  by  the  press  answer.  As  this  exercise,  is 
now  conducted,  and  is  likely  to  be.  is  it  becoming  scholars 
and  educated  men  to  engage  in  it.  or  wise  for  our  public 
institutions  to  encourage  it  '.' 

VI.      ITS    hiroin'AN' '!•:. 

That  there  is  a  most  intimate  and  necessary  connection 
between  the  improvement  of  the  mind  and  the  culture  of 
the  bodv  all  will  admit.  It  is  now  prcttv  well  established 
by  the  highest  authorities  in  medical  science,  that  the  brain 
is.  in  some  sense,  the  or  LI';  i  n  of  the  mind. —  that  all  mental 
manifestations  in  this  world  depend  very  much  upon  the  sixe 
and  <iiialilv  nl  the  brain,  and  the  varim^  agencies  aflectiiig 
its  functions.  If.  therefore,  all  intellectual  culture  is  imt 
only  dependent  upon.  but.  in  a  u'rcat  measure,  controlled  and 
y  certain  ph\sical  conditions,  it  is  of  the  highest 

430511 


38 

importance  in  the  course  of  a  liberal  education,  to  under- 
stand what  these  conditions  are,  and  to  be  able  to  turn- them 
to  the  best  possible  account.  And  it  is  not  alone  the  rela- 
tions which  the  brain  itself  sustains  to  the  mind  that  are 
important,  but  those  are  equally  so,  in  some  respects,  which 
it  bears  to  other  parts  of  the  body.  For  instance,  it  is  well 
known,  that  the  mind  is  sometimes  greatly  affected  by  the 
state  of  the  stomach,  the  liver  and  the  digestive  organs 
generally.  In  fact  there  can  scarcely  be  a  diseased  or 
abnormal  condition  of  any  organ  in  the  human  system  that 
will  not  have  some  influence  upon  the  mind.  Now  while  the 
primary  object  of  gymnastics  is  to  facilitate,  in  the  highest 
degree,  mental  culture  for  the  time  being,  they  tend  also, 
when  properly  conducted,  to  prevent  disease  by  checking  or 
removing  in  their  incipient  stages  those  weaknesses  or  lire- 
dispositions  which,  if  neglected,  will  inevitably  terminate  in 
sickness  of  some  kind.  And  to  do  this  most  successfully 
every  part  or  organ  of  the  body  must  receive  its  due  pro- 
portion of  exercise,  and  that  too  not  only  in  harmony  with 
the  laws  that  govern  its  own  functions  but  with  the  laws 
and  functions  of  every  other  part  or  organ  of  the  system. 
For  it  is  in  this  way  that  the  greatest  measure  of  health  as 
well  as  of  strength  and  longevity  are  secured. 

The  human  body  in  its  normal  or  most  healthy  state, 
may  be  compared  to  a  perfect  machine,  made  up  of  a  great 
variety  of  parts,  each  part  performing  its  own  work,  doing 
just  so  much  and  no  more,  and  not  interfering  with  the 
exercise  of  others,  so  that  the  wear  and  tear  will  come  upon 
all  parts  of  the  machinery  alike.  The  lungs,  the  heart,  and 
the  stomach.  &c..  have  each  a  specific  work  to  do.  which 
requires  a  ceitain  amount  of  exercise  of  not  onlv  the  muscles 
immediately  connected  with  these  organs,  hut  of  the  muscles 
more  or  less,  in  all  other  parts  of  the  system.  For  illustra- 
tion, in  order  that  the  lungs  should  become  well  developed  ami 


3'J 

receive  healthy  exercise,  it  is  indispensihle  that  the  muscles 
about  the  chest  and  shoulders  be  properly  trained,  no  less 
than  those  of  the  arms  and  the  legs. 

1  heit>  are  several  modes  or  kinds  of  exercise  in  popular 
use.  which  however  otherwise  allowable,  are  open  to  this 
objection.  \  i/...  that  they  develop  and  strengthen  mainly  the 
extreme  portions  of  the  body.  Health  and  strength  are  not 
synonymous  terms.  A  person  may  have  great  strength  in 
his  limbs  or  in  certain  muscles  about  the  body,  but  really 
not  have  good  health.  It  is  altogether  a  mi-taken  idea  to 
suppose,  that  physical  exercises  have  for  their  sole  object 
the  attainment  of  strength.  There  are  othei  tissues  and 
organs  in  the  human  system  besides  the  muscular:  and. 
the  healthy  action  of  the  lungs  and  the  stomach  is  far 
more  important  than  great  strength  in  the  arms.  legs,  or 
the  back.  It  is  here,  in  this  general  exercise  of  all  the 
muscles  and  parts  of  the  body,  that  the  system  of  gymnas- 
tics advocated  in  this  paper  has  its  great  excellence.  It 
aims  to  produce  just  that  development  of  the  human  sv-ieni 
upon  which  good  health  is  permanently  based,  described  by 
a  distinguished  writer  as  follow-  : — "health  is  the  uniform 
and  regular  performance  of  all  the  functions  of  the  body. 
ari.-ing  from  the  harmonious  action  of  all  its  parts. —  a  physi- 
cal condition  implying  that  all  are  sound,  well-lining  and 
well  matched.  Some  minds  do  not  look  far  enough  into  life  f 
see  ibis  distinction,  or  to  value  it  if  seen  ;  they  fix  their  eyes 
loiiii'iiiiilv  upon  sliTH'/llt  —  upon  strength  //'///'.  and  seemingly 
care  not  for  the  [tower  to  \vm  k  long,  to  \\oik  \\ell.  to  woik 
successfully  hereafter,  which  is  ll<tt/llt. 

There  is  another,  a  higher  and  more  commanding  po>i- 
tioii  from  \\hich  thi>  subject  max  be  viewed: — it  i-  in  the 
livjit  of  x/i/i'nrilsliiii  —  of  accountability  to  (iod  lor  all  the 
-•ifl-.  (he  powers  and  talents  that  Me  ha-  elltlll.-ted  to  our 
care.  These  bodies,  however  we  max  pamp'T  '>r  ahu.-e  them. 


40 

are  not  our  own.  They  are  a  sacred  trust  from  the  Al- 
mighty, for  the  use  and  improvement  of  which  we  shall 
individually  be  held  responsible  in  the  great  day  of  accounts 
no  less  than  for  mental  talents  and  acquirements.  When 
the  inter-depenent  relations  of  body  and  mind  are  considered 
in  their  true  light  with  reference  to  the  life  eternal,  it  is 
scarcely  possible  to  overstate  or  overestimate  the  importance 
of  physical  culture. 


A  P  P  E  N  DFX. 


Statistirsin  the  Department  of  Physical  Ivlm-ation  ami  Hygiene 
in  Amherst  College,  extending  from  Srptcmher,  lyul,  to  SfjiU-iiilirr, 
1XM  : 

VITAL  STATISTICS  — KKillT   VKAIJS. 


Cl.ASSKS. 


Seniors, 
Juniors,     - 
Sophomores 
Freshmen, 


Average-, 


,r».(kV>       17.'. '.''.'.i      ,",."1.  :rj!.  i       2i->.2iMi      11.7."'-        iu.,-c>;j 
r.-iitu        l:j9.iiTU      :;:>/i7i        -j'U.u'U      n..>-         !t.:^--2 

ll.;;:»i         s.sol 


STATISTICS  OF  DISAIUIJTIKS  —  KK4HT   VKAIiS. 


42 


FORMS  OF   DISABILITY  AND  THE  NUMBER  OF  CASES, 
FOR  EIGHT  YEARS. 


Colds  and  Pneumonia, 

88 
20 

Intermittent  Fever, 
Liver  Complaint,   .        . 

5 

6 

1 

Boils,        

23 

Nervous  Irritability, 

1 

Meningitis,  (parti}-  of  a  moral  character) 

20 
10 

sciatica,    

•> 

••> 

10 

4 

10 

1 

Typhoid  Fever,       .       ,        .       . 

16 

.> 

'» 

2 

0 

Dysentery,       ...... 

1 

Q 

Quinsy  and  Sore  Throat, 
Teeth 

15 

C, 

Camp  Fever,    .... 

1 
1 

Colic,        ....... 

5 

1 

4 

}>ile«          

1 

Chicken  Pox,  ...... 

1 

1 

Fi-tula,     ..... 

1 

1 

Doubtful,          .... 

1 

TESTIMONY  IN  FAVOR  OF  THE  GYMNASIUM. 

A"MHKI!ST    (V)I.l.K(iK,  JuiH'    14th.   1S()0. 

The  Class  of  ISOo,  having  compk'tod  its  studies  in  Amherst  Col- 
lege, desires  to  express  its  hiu'h  appreciation  of  the  physical  culture 
which  it  has  received  under  the  direct  ion  of  Prof.  Hitchcock.  As 
this  class  is  the  first  one  in  College  which  has  enjoyed  through  its 
whole  course  this  physical  training,  some  cx])ression  of  opinion  seems 
quite  proper.  There  have  l>ecn  ninety-two  ditl'erent  students  con- 
nected with  the  class,  liftv-five  of  which  now  [graduate;  ei^ht  have 
died, —  two  with  consumption,  and  six  in  the  Army  from  wounds  or 
disease.  There  is  no  one  <>f  the  tjratluatinj*  class  l»ut  could  pass  a 
complete  examination  I'm-  life  in>urance  <>r  admission  into  the  I'nited 
Stall's  Armv.  From  a  thorough  trial  of  four  vears'  coiir>e  of  train- 
ing, we  can  fairlv  jud^e  of  the  system  here  adopted.  Our  exercises 
have  been  conducted  in  a  well-furnished  ^\  mnasiuni,  and  alwavs  under 


43 


the  direction  of  tilt1  Profe--or  in  tin-  department.  \Vehave  found 
tlii'  required  at  1  endance —  a  part  of  tin-  sv-tcni —  \\<>\  at  all  objec- 
tionable, and,  what  at  tir-t  in  the  e\erci-e  was  a  little  embarrassing 
or  unpleasant,  soon  became  a  po-iti\e  pleasure.  The  simultaneous 
participation  of  manv  persons  in  tlir  same  e\erci-e-  ha-  contributed 
a  lively  /e-t  to  them,  \\hen  otherwise  thev  would  ha\e  proved  dull 
and  unmt  ere-t  MIL:.'.  Tlu'st1  exercises  have  lieen  so  varied  in  character 

as  to  In-  adapted  both  to  the  -tronu'e-t  and  the  \veal\e-t  «-t  lldent.  eoli- 
diicinu'  alike  to  health,  slreiiu'th  and  'jfraee  of  action.  The  halt-hour 
rei|iiired  tor  eM-rcisc  lia>  jiroved  t  lie  golden  mean  hetueen  len^t  h  and 
brevity  of  time  for  thi-  purpose,  aii'l  ha-  ne\er  been  considered  lo>-t 
by  us,  as  our  health  at  the  close  of  our  college  course  te>tities  to  the 
inestimable  \alne  of  this  traiiiinjj,1,  \\'e  are  contident,  if  this  matter 
of  exercise  had  been  left  a  voluntarv  thinu'.  manv  ot'  our  cla->,  who 
are  now  strong  and  healthv,  \\nuld  ha\e  vielded  to  the  di-ea-o  inci- 
dent to  student  life,  while  other-,  uho  were  \\eak  and  -lender  bovs 
on  entering  college,  are  now  stion^und  vii^oroii-  men.  ('a-e-  ot' pro- 
tracted illnes-  have  been  almo-t  unknown  amon<_r  u-,  and  lar^e  num- 
bers in  the  cla-s  ha\e  not  been  detained  bv  illne-s  from  a  -MiLi'le  col- 
lege dntv.  Believing  that  a  -tronu'  body  is  the  be-t  luilwark  to  a 
sound  mind  —  that  strong  museles  and  well-developed  limbs  are  pow- 
erful aids  to  the  brain,  —  and  beini*  indebted  verv  much  tor  these  re- 
sult- in  our  ease  to  the  phv-ieal  trainiiiLf  we  have  received  in  Amherst 
(',  illru'e. —  \\  e  <_d\  e  this  voluntary  testimony  to  the  value  of  the  -y>t  em 
ot'  u'ymna.-tic-  here  adopted. 

!•:.   P.   FHU>T,         ) 

.M.   K.   PAS.  o,  Ci»nttlitte:. 

A.    11.    H..\\  I.ANI',   } 


AMIII;];-!'  ('OLLKUK,  Ma\  Tin.  l^t)1.1. 
1  )i:.  N  \  rii  \  \   A  1.1  i:\  : 

Deal-  Sir, — 

The  Senior  Cla-s  learn  through  Prof.  Hitch- 
cock that  \  on  Uould  be  gratified  t''  IVceh  e  ail  e\pre--ioll  "I  our 
dpinioii  a-  tii  1  he  \  al lie  ot'  our  L;'\']  e\erci-e>  \t-ar- 

experieiu-e.      I;  -i\  ••-  u-  --real  plea-ure  :  •  >  ->  nd  yon  a  co|  \  re.-o- 

lution-  adopted   tinit,i'int«ii*l>i  l>\    the  da—  a-  I'ollow-: 


44 

and  knowing  that  an  expression  of  our  opinion  of  it  is  desired,  there- 
fore 

"  Resolcc-fl,  That  the  daily  required  exercise,  as  at  present  con- 
ducted by  Prof.  Edward  Hitchcock,  by  the  happy  union  of  pleasure 
and  exercise  is  exactly  suited  to  our  needs,  giving  us  strength  and 
vigor  for  our  other  duties,  and  developing  a  more  manly  physique. 
Therefore, 

"Resolved,  That  we  convey  to  the  friends  of  the  gymnasium  our 
hearty  thanks  for  its  foundation  and  support." 

You  will  not  understand  of  course,  when  we  say  "exactly  suited," 
that  we  consider  that  the  gymnastic  system  is  brought  to  perfection. 
We  refer  to  the  union  of  exercise  and  pleasure,  which  contributes  so 
much  to  make  everything  pleasant,  and  which  we  do  not  think  can 
be  changed  for  anything  better. 

"With  great  respect, 


ALVAII  B.  KiTTHEDGiO 

JOSEPH  15.  SEAUI'KV,      >  Committee. 

GEO.  M.  GAGE,  ) 


TESTIMONY  OF  STUDENTS. 

Numerous  testimonials  from  this  source  might  be  obtained,  but 
only  two  cases  will  here  be  stated,  of  students  coming  to  college 
from  city  lite,  who  experienced  great  changes  —  one  in  his  mural 
character,  and  the  other  in  his  plnjxirul  condition  —  by  means  of  this 
Department.  The  first  says,  in  a  letter  to  Dr.  Hitchcock :  "  As  my 
college  course  draw-  to  a  clo>e,  I  owe  it  to  von  to  state  how  com- 
pletely my  opinion  has  changed  in  reference  to  voiir  department  in 
college.  T  came  here,  von  remember,  from  the  citv,  with  certain  <1[1- 
li'tiiitti-  and  delicate-handed  notions,  which  led  me  to  look  witli  some 
contempt  upon  the  gymnasium,  though  I  was  soon  obliged  to  submit 

to  its  salutary  authority.      /*'"/•  t/ti*  I  (:<in  //<  r<  roi:  too  <//'<if<fi/l 

I  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  melancholy  which  always  clouded 
my  intellectual  and  religion--  life,  would  still  shut  out  the  cheerful 
health  and  sunshine  I  now  enjoy,  had  it  not  been  for  the  beneficial 
effects  of  the  phv^ical  e.\erci>es  in  vour  department,  combined  with 
your  kind  and  faithful  treatment." 


The  other  student  referred  to  writes  a-  follows:  "  When  I  came 
to  Amherst  College,  mv  physical  condition  could  not  be  called  good. 
o\I  v  limbs  were  slender, —  mv  flesh  was  thin;  I  feared  trouble  from 
my  lungs,  and  not  imfrequeiit  ly  had  spell-  of  sickness  of  different 
kinds.  Since  my  connection  with  college,  I  have  been  almo-t  con- 
stantly well,  and,  when  I  have  been  otherwise,  I  have  generallv  been 
able  to  trace  my  illness  to  some  violation  of  the  laws  of  health.  This 
change  I  ascribe  mainly  to  gvmnastic  training.  I)iinnir  mv  first 
year,  my  arms  increased  in  -i/.e  two  indie-,  and  mv  che-t  three 
inches.  J  have  exercised  more  than  most  students,  and  so  perhaps 
but  few  of  them  could  show  so  great  u'ain.  but  mv  exercise  has  never 

interfered  in  the    least   with  mv    studies The  general    health  of 

college  students  is  not  only  better  during'  their  college  coiir.-e,  but  it 
has  uniformly  improved,  so  much  so  that  there  i-  a  marked  difference 
in  the  verv  appearance  of  the  clas>es  as  they  advance  in  >tandin'_r. 
The'  round  shoulders,  lank  limbs  and  li-tle-<  motion-  of  the  lower 
classes  are  in  striking  contraM  with  the  erect  carriage,  robu-t  frame 
and  vigorous  action  which,  as  a  rule,  are  exhibited  by  those  who  have. 
been  in  college  two  or  three  years.  Of  cour-e,  there  are  some  well- 
developed  physiques  among  the  Freshmen,  and  some  who  are  far  t'n  'in 
being  muscular  amon^  the  Seniors;  but  generally  the  fact  i>  as  stated 
above."  " 


UKdTLATIONS   FOR  T11K   TSF  OF  TIIF  (i  VMNASI  F.M 

AND  r>owij\<;  ALLFYS. 


The  (Gymnasium  is  open    for  exercise  from 
prayer  time,  excepting  the  hour  tor  dinner. 

1.  No  person  is  allowed  to  use  the  Parallel  I'.ar-,  the  Rack  P>ars, 
the  Ladder-,  or  the  Incline  Hoard,  without  -lipper-. 

'.!.  I  )itr'mu'  the  regular  cla»  exercise,  no  member  of  the  cla^s  will 
be  admitted  to  it  \\ithoiit  hi-  complete  unitbnu  ;  and  each  -Indent 
will  keep  hi-  po-ition  in  the  rank-  dui'iii',;'  the  whole  exerci-e. 

;-{.  I'ei'siins  nut  ci'iinected  with  collect',  even  it'in\iti'd  by  one 
of  its  members,  cannot  be  allo\\-ed  to  exen-isc  in  anv  part  <>t'  the 
building',  without  -peeial  permi--i"ii  tV"in  the  Profes-or,  and  no  per- 
son, not  a  member  of  the  college,  can  at  anv  time  u-e  any  of  tlie 
apparatu-,  or  an  alley,  to  the  exclusion  «\  any  member  ot  eiilK-'je. 

4.  A  ]>art\  after  n-im_r  an  alh-\'  for  one  name,  niu-t  gi\e  way.  if 
others  are  waiting  for  their  turn. 


46 

5.  It  is  forbidden  to  throw  the  balls  on  the  alleys,  or  indulge  in 
any  but  the  legitimate  game.  The  balls  must  never  be  sent  from 
East  to  West  except  in  the  gutters  made  for  the  purpose. 

0.  It  is  also  forbidden  to  smoke,  or  spit  on  the  floors,  or  litter 
them  ;  to  use  improper  language,  or  indulge  in  violent  or  boisterous 
conduct. 

7.  Each  person,  after  using  any  piece  of  the  movable  apparatus, 
\vill  at  (nice,  in  an  orderly  way,  return  it  to  its  proper  place. 

S.  Persons  wantonly  or  carelessly  injuring  the  building  or  any 
of  its  apparatus,  will  be  held  strictly  accountable  therefor. 


MOTTO    OF    THE    BARRETT    GYMNASIUM. 

'•  Such  are  the  dominating  powers  with  which  we,  and  we  alone, 
are  gifted  !  I  say  gifted,  for  the  surpassing  organization  was  no  work 
of  ours.  It  is  lie  that  hath  made  us;  not  \ve  ourselves.  This  frame 
is  a  temporary  trust,  lor  the  uses  of  which  we  are  responsible  to  the 
Maker. 

u()li!  you  who  possess  it  in  the  supple  vigor  of  lusty  youth,  think 
well  what  it  is  that  lie  has  committed  to  your  keeping.  Waste  not 
its  energies  ;  dull  them  not  by  sloth  ;  spoil  them  not.  by  pleasures ! 
The  supreme  work  of  creation  has  been  accomplished  thai  you  might 
possess  a  body  —  the  soul  erect  —  of  all  animal  bodies  the  most  free, 
and  for  what  ?  for  the  service  of  the  soul. 

"Strive  to  reali/e  the  conditions  of  the  possession  of  this  won- 
drous structure.  Think  what  it  may  become,  —  the  Temple  of  the 
Holy  Spirit!  Defile  it  not.  Seek,  rather  to  adorn  it  with  all  meek 
and  becoming  gifts,  with  that  fair  furniture,  moral  and  intellectual, 
which  it  is  your  inestimable  privilege  to  acquire  through  the  teachings 
and  examples  and  ministrations  of  this  Seat  of  Sound  Learning  and 
Religious  Education." — [/Vo/1  Otctn,  Jh'itiah  Jfuneuni,  London.] 


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